Sharad Yadav's statement was a 'slip of tongue', defends Abu Azmi

Defending Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav for saying that honour of vote is more important than that of a daughter, Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi on Thursday said the former's remark was a slip of tongue.

"Sharad Yadav might have slipped his tongue. I don't think he would have said these things deliberately. He is a person who respects women and if anyone who disrespects women it is the BJP ministers. You can see when some of their members made ridiculous statements," Azmi told ANI.

Speaking at a function in Patna marking the birth anniversary of former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur, the former JD (U)?national president said, "Honour of vote is bigger and important than honour of daughter. If daughter's honour is compromised, it only affects the village or community but if the vote's honour is compromised, it impacts the entire nation."

However, Yadav later clarified his earlier stand stating that he did not demean women but drew an analogy between females and votes to state that respect of a daughter is equivalent to respect of a vote.

Yadav told ANI if one does not values his right to vote then it will put democracy in danger.

"What I wanted to say was if the value and respect of a vote is not kept intact then the problems in a democracy will not be solved but will get worse. So, I wanted to say was that respect of a daughter is equivalent to respect of a vote," said Yadav.

Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has issued a notice to Yadav demanding an explanation from him within 24 hours, failing which he will have to appear before it.

The NCW has condemned the use of such an offensive and objectionable language by a person like him who is holding responsible position.