Samajwadi Party MP Azam Khan tenders apology for anti-women remarks

New Delhi: Samajwadi Party MP Azam Khan on Monday tendered apology in Lok Sabha for his anti-women remarks in the Lok Sabha.

As soon as the House assembled to begin day's business after the weekend break, Speaker Om Birla called up Mr Khan's name in view of strong demands made on Friday by members cutting across party lines for the apology and if necessary strict action must be taken against the member.

Making his point, Rampur MP Azam Khan said he never had any ill feelings towards the chair when the remarks were made. "I have been a Parliamentary Affairs Minister twice in the state and also a Rajya Sabha member and nine time MLA, I can never make any such statement with ill intent, still if my words have hurt any one, I tender apology," he said.Initially, BJP MP Rama Devi said she has not heard and the member should repeat his words.

Samajwadi Party leader and former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav took objections to Ms Rama Devi's remarks and for a brief period there was exchange of heated words between him and several BJP members.

Ms Rama Devi, who was on the chair on Thursday when the controversial remarks were made by Azam Khan, said the Samajwadi Party member has the "habit" of making such remarks outside the House also.

Speaker Mr Birla said all the members should be careful about the dignity of the House and now that the concerned member has tendered apology, it is expected that such a thing is not repeated again in future by anyone.(UNI)