At a recent political rally, Maharashtra Water Supply and Sanitation Minister and senior Shiv Sena leader Gulabrao Patil compared the roads of his constituency with Hema Malini's cheeks. Addressing an election meeting for the Bodhwad Nagar Panchayat polls in the district, the politician passed the comment while reportedly targeting former BJP leader Eknath Khadse, who was an MLA from Jalgaon for many years.
Gulabrao Patil, during the meeting, said, "Those who have been MLAs for 30 years should come to my constituency and see the roads. If they are not like Hema Malini's cheeks, then I will resign." The statement received flak. In a video statement, Rupali Chakankar, the chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, threatened legal action if the minister failed to apologise publicly. "The commission has taken note of the comment. If the minister doesn't tender an apology, he will have to face legal action," she said.
Soon after, Gulabrao Patil issued a public apology and said, "I didn't mean to hurt anybody. I apologise for the comments. I belong to the Shiv Sena, which idolises Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Party founder Balasaheb Thackeray has taught us to respect women."
Hema reacted to Gulabrao Patil's statement and told ANI, "Better I keep my cheeks properly, safely. A trend of such statements was started by Lalu Ji years ago and many people have followed this trend. Such comments are not in a good taste." She further added, "Waise karna nahi chahiye. But if it is a Member of Parliament or anybody connected to our constituency (who says it), I don’t think it is in good taste. Any woman should not be used for saying (such things)."
#WATCH "A trend of such statements was started by Lalu Ji years ago and many people have followed this trend. Such comments are not in a good taste," says BJP MP Hema Malini on Maharashtra minister Gulabrao Patil comparing roads to her cheeks pic.twitter.com/SJg5ZTrbMw
— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2021
In November, Rajasthan minister Rajendra Singh Gudha also compared roads to Hema's cheeks. Later, he added she has become too old' indicating the poor condition of roads. He further mentioned Katrina Kaif and said the roads should be as smooth as her cheeks.
(Source: ANI)
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