Mumbai, Nov 28 (UNI ) Yoga guru baba Ramdev on Monday expressed regrets and apologised for his alleged sexist comments on women.
He claimed that his remarks were twisted out of context.
The remarks has ignited a massive row in Maharashtra.
Ramdev has sent an email to this effect to the Maharashtra State Commission for Women Chairperson Rupali Chakankar, in response to the direction of the Commision on Friday demanding an explanation within 72 hours.
Confirming the development, MSCW Chairperson said that the Commission had received Ramdev reply on its notice and, if there are any more objections or complaints, commission shall conduct a full-fledged probe and get the full video recording of the programme held last week.
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t may be recalled that last week while addressing Patanjali Group’s free Yoga training programme for women in Thane in presence of Thane MP Shrikant Shinde, the son of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and singer Amruta Fadnavis - wife of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and other prominent personalities, Ramdev had said that women look good in sarees, they look great in salwar suits, and in my view, they look good even if they don’t wear anything.”
The blatant remarks rocked the state with calls to “slap, kick, tonsure” Ramdev and threats to storm his next programme, from various quarters in Maharashtra and other parts of India, with even Amruta Fadnavis earning the ire of many.
In his reply to the MSCW within the deadline period, Ramdev contended he has not flouted any rules of the state panel, and has always campaigned at the global level to help women get dignity and equality in all spheres.
“I have also supported, encouraged various policies of the government like ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’, and worked with several organisations to strengthen these initiatives. I categorically state that I have not insulted any women nor had any intentions to do so,” Ramdev wrote.
He added that the (Thane) programme was themed for women’s empowerment but video clips of his comments of a few seconds from the hour-long speech were purportedly ‘twisted’ out of context to convey a wrong impression.
“I have the highest regards for Mother and mother-power… The comment on attire was meant for ‘simple clothes’. If it has hurt anybody’s sentiments, I deeply regret the same. I also apologise to them for causing any distress,” the Yoga Guru said.
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