No support for Katiyar's misogynist statement about Priyanka Gandhi from BJP

Hours after Bharatiya Janata Party's Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Katiyar made a distasteful comment about Congress president Sonia Gandhi's daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday said the statement was unacceptable to both - the party and the government.

"This is not acceptable to us and neither the party, nor the government supports such statements," he said.

Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav yesterday drew an analogy between a woman and a vote. He said that the honour of vote was bigger than the honour of a woman.

The senior leader raked in massive criticism over his statement.

Naidu expressed hope these senior leaders realise their mistake and withdraw their comments.

"We are each other's competitors in politics, not enemies. While speaking about women, one must be cautious and keep in mind the culture of our society," Naidu added.

Earlier in the day, Katiyar while taunting Priyanka's name in list of Congress' star campaigners made a sexist comment and said that there were many beautiful star campaigners.

"What difference will it make? We have more beautiful star campaigners...heroines, artistes...they are better," he said.

Despite being criticised by women activists and other politicians, Katiyar remained unapologetic.

Priyanka, on the other hand, laughed off the comment.

"He exposes the BJP's mindset towards the better half of the population of India," said a statement from Priyanka's office.