Bengaluru: As he came in the line of fire with the Opposition and the media terming his remarks as “insensitive”, BJP leader K S Eshwarappa today went into a damage control mode. He apologised for his statement on rapes and said, “I apologise if my comments offended the woman journalist. Did not make comment with malicious intent. She is like my sister. I also apologise to the people of Karnataka. I was commenting on increasing rapes and murders in the state. I want this matter to be put to rest with my apology” he said.
Meanwhile women journalists have petitioned Siddaramaiah, seeking legal action against the BJP leader.
In a memorandum submitted to the CM, they said: “we want you (Siddaramaiah) to take immediate legal action against Mr Eshwarappa under sections 509 and 294 of IPC pertaining to offending the dignity of women and indecency. We find the comment extremely offensive and humiliating. Eshwarappa is defending himself, stating that he was only giving an example but it offends and belittles both the reporter and the woman who asked him that question.”
Earlier on Saturday Leader of opposition in State Council and BJP leader K S Eshwarappa courted controversy by giving yet another shocking statement. On being posed a question about the rape incidents in the state, by a female journalist, he insensitively said, “You are a young girl and you are here. Someone takes you away and rapes you, what can we do if we are somewhere else”. The statement soon went viral and there was criticism among the people and media fraternity.
As leaders of all parties condemned Eshwarappa for his disgraceful statement he had defended himself and went on to say, “The girl who questioned me is like my sister. The statement was given out of desperation over Karnataka’s present situation. Women folk of Karnataka know me well, no question of seeking apology”.
