Karnataka Congress MLA’s ‘rape remark’ in the Assembly courted controversy

Former Karnataka speaker and senior MLA of the Congress Party K R Ramesh Kumar has created a controversy after allegedly trivializing sensitive issues like rape.

What was equally disturbing was the response of the speaker who laughed in response after hearing the sexist remarks while the Assembly was in session.

During a discussion among members on various issues, Kumar allegedly said, “There’s a saying that when rape is inevitable, lie down and enjoy it. That’s exactly the position into which you are.”

Karnataka Assembly Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri gave a quick response when he laughed at the comment.

This happened when the MLAs wanted to discuss various problems of the farmers and they wanted the speaker to give them time for that.

When they demanded the time for that, the speaker said that he won’t be able to run the assembly if every member of the house will ask for time to debate and discuss.

He said that he couldn’t keep the situation under control. After this Kumar stood up and made this sexist comment.

Though later on, he apologised in a tweet in which he said that his intent was not to trivialise the heinous crime like rape. He also admitted that his comment was indifferent and negligent.

“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!” Kumar said.