Oppn in RS seek sacking of Raj Minister for his rape remarks

JD(U) today demanded sacking of a Rajasthan minister for questioning a gang-raped student's integrity as the Centre assured the Rajya Sabha that it would convey the concerns to the state government for corrective steps.
After a brief adjournment during Zero Hour over the issue, JD(U) leader Kahkashan Perween, who had raised the matter during Zero Hour, again raised it and demanded that the Centre should immediately take steps to sack the Rajasthan minister who had made the "irresponsible" remarks.
"I am confident that the Prime Minister gives lot of respect to women. If he does so, then this (Rajasthan) minister should be sacked immediately," she said.

It is unfortunate that the state Home Minister has made such remarks, Parveen added.
Responding to JD(U) member's demand, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukthar Abbas Naqvi said "any such statement cannot be justified. It should be condemned if it is true. The National Women Commission has given a notice."
"Simulataneously, the Centre will convey the sentiments of this House to the state government so that it takes corrective steps," he said.

Earlier during Zero Hour, the opposition parties, including Congress, forced a brief adjournment of proceedings in Rajya Sabha over the Rajasthan minister questioning the integrity of a student who was allegedly gangraped.

Parveen had raised the issue of state Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria's reported remark that it was unlikely that eight men gangraped the girl and she did not complain.
The JD(U) member was supported by women Congress members including Viplove Thakur who displayed what appeared were newspaper reports of the minister's remarks.
As Deputy Chairman P J Kurien disallowed her saying it was not a point of order, the women lawmakers trooped into the Well of the House raising slogans against the "insensitive" remarks. Soon male members too joined them in the Well, raising slogans.
"Without notice I cannot allow (a discussion)," Kurien said. "No notice is received (on the subject)." With members unrelenting and refusing to go back to their seats, he adjourned the House for 10 minutes.