Rapes increasing as clothes worn by women 'excite' men: BJP MLA, later apologises

Bengaluru: In the latest development in the ongoing Hijab row, Karnataka BJP MLA Renukacharya added fuel to the fire by claiming that rape cases are increasing as some dresses worn by women 'excite' men.

He made the comment while referring to Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi's 'bikini' tweet, wherein she said: "Whether it is a bikini, a ghoonghat, a pair of jeans or a hijab, it is a woman's right to decide what she wants to wear."

He remarked that it's a low-level statement; to use a word like 'bikini' and noted that while studying in college, children should be fully clothed.

Later, realising that his remarks would stir controversy, the political secretary to Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that he would apologise to women if his statement had hurt them.

"Priyanka Gandhi is a woman, a Congress leader.....we are not questioning the fundamental rights of women (on the hijab issue). Kerala and Bombay High Courts have said that uniform is mandatory at schools and colleges, the government has also said the same. Using bikini word for girl student's (dress) is ignoble," Mr Renukacharya had said.

The former Minister also demanded that Priyanka Gandhi withdraw her statement and apologise to girl students and women.

Further stating that Priyanka Gandhi probably does not understand the culture and traditions of this country, Mr Renukacharya said, "her mother's is Italian culture, her marriage too.... It's her personal matter, (she) saying such things will lead to a lot of meanings, which is not right." He also said that BJP is not politicising the uniform dress code issue.

Later, trying to clarify his statement, the legislator said, "if my statement has hurt our sisters, I will definitely apologise. I respect them."