“Watch the video of Bihar Chief Minister’s indecent manner of speech and today’s apology.”
In a surprising turn of events, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has issued a public apology for his controversial remarks about women’s education, which had sparked outrage among the opposition and women’s organizations.
Addressing the media outside the assembly, CM Nitish Kumar expressed remorse, saying, “I have expressed my regret while talking to journalists outside the House. I am ready to do so again. If my words have caused any hurt, I condemn myself.”
The Bihar Assembly session, scheduled for November 8, was abruptly adjourned until 2 p.m. after it started, as the Opposition BJP persisted in demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over his remarks regarding women.
Opposition Leader Vijay Kumar Sinha, in a dramatic move, accused the Chief Minister of being unfit to govern the state and insisted on his resignation, labeling him as “mentally unfit.”
In response to the allegations, Chief Minister Kumar, who was present in the House, rose to offer an explanation. He reiterated his regret, saying, “I have expressed my regret while talking to journalists outside the House. I am ready to do so again. If my words have caused any hurt, I condemn myself (main apni ninda karta hoon).”
Kumar went on to provide context for his earlier statements, saying, “The context in which I had made the remarks must not be lost sight of. I have always been a strong advocate of women’s education, and it was a eureka moment for me when I saw a direct correlation between education levels among women and fertility rate.”
Despite Kumar’s apology and explanation, the Opposition remained unmoved, with many members storming the well and demanding his resignation. The Speaker intervened, reminding them that the Chief Minister enjoyed the confidence of the people and had already expressed regret for his statements. The Speaker also assured that any unparliamentary language used in Kumar’s speech would be expunged from the records. Nonetheless, as the ruckus continued, the Speaker adjourned the House until lunch.
Meanwhile, women’s wings of Left parties, supporting the state’s ruling ‘Mahagathbandhan’ government, condemned the Chief Minister’s remarks. Organizations like the CPI(M) affiliate AIDWA and CPI(ML) Liberation affiliated AIPWA demanded an apology from the Chief Minister, criticizing his “vulgar” and patriarchal language and body language.
These women’s organizations also censured female members of the House for not objecting to Kumar’s statements during the session, alleging that their primary concern was their own political careers.
The controversy surrounding Nitish Kumar’s remarks and the ensuing political turmoil have left the Bihar Assembly in disarray, with the fate of the Chief Minister hanging in the balance.
