New Delhi : Different women organisations Tuesday submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission, seeking action against Bengali actor and Trinamool Congress candidate Dev for his comments on rape.
“It is essential for the EC to intervene and issue notice to the person concerned. It is also essential to issue a public warning to all political parties and candidates to desist from making sexist and misogynist statements and that any such statement will constitute a violation of the code of conduct,” read the memorandum they submitted to the poll panel.
They termed his comment “atrocious” and said it “trivialised” the heinous crime of rape.
Dev, talking to Bengali tabloid Ebela, had said: “Eighty percent of the media is now focusing on Ghatal. Dev contesting from Ghatal has become a hot topic. It is nice that a place like Ghatal has also become popular.”
Asked if he was enjoying the moment, Dev was quoted as saying: “Enjoy … it’s just like being raped, either you can enjoy or can shout.”
Political parties had condemned the “outrageous” comments and demanded action against him, even including cancellation of his candidature.
Dev Monday apologised for his comments.
“I m new in politics. My heart is clean. No offence meant 2 any1. I respect Maa, sis al women n brothers. Dint mean 2 hurt any1. SINCERE SORRY,” he tweeted Dev who is contesting on a Trinamool ticket from Ghatal in West Midnapore district of West Bengal.