Karnataka Congress MLA apologises for his 'enjoy rape' comment

Belagavi, December 17

Senior Congress MLA and former Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar, who had courted controversy by saying “enjoy rape when it is inevitable” inside the Karnataka Assembly, apologised for his ‘off the cuff remark’ on Friday.

“I would like to express my sincere apologies to everyone for the indifferent and negligent comment I made in today’s assembly about ‘Rape!’ My intention was not to trivialise or make light of the heinous crime, but an off the cuff remark! I will choose my words carefully henceforth!” Ramesh Kumar tweeted.

During the discussions on rain and flood-related damages in the Karnataka Assembly on Thursday, many MLAs wanted to speak to highlight the plight of people in their constituencies.

Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri found himself in a fix as he wanted to wind up the discussion at the earliest whereas the MLAs were insisting to extend the time.

“I am in a situation where I have to enjoy and say ‘yes, yes.’ That’s it. This is what I feel. I should give up controlling the situation and take the proceedings in a systematic manner. I should tell everyone to continue your talks,” Kageri said laughing.

He explained that his only grievance is that the business of the house is not happening.

Ramesh Kumar intervened, saying, “See, there is a saying – when rape is inevitable, lie down and enjoy it. That’s exactly the position in which you are.”

The former minister came under fire from various quarters including the MLAs from his own party for his statement. PTI