RSS chief's comment reflects mindset of male domination: Karat

Talking about the reported comments made by Bhagwat and others, he maintained that it is "traditional male dominated outlook" to say that women should not venture out of their homes for work or that crimes against women are not happening in rural India.

"This is a travesty of facts. These incidents are also happening in rural India against ordinary women and adivasis," he said, speaking at an event organised here in memory of late Communist leader P Sundarayya.

He also referred to the comments of Andhra Pradesh Congress president Botsa Satyanarayana who reportedly said women should not go out in the nights and also the comments of some minority leaders that relatives should accompany women when they go out.

The "decrees" of 'khap panchayats' also reflected the attitude of male domination, Karat said.

Highlighting that late Sundarayya strongly favoured equality of women, he said efforts should be made towards ensuring that the women get equal rights as an important part of the agenda.