Twitterati calls BJP’s Ram ‘Ravan’ after he threatens to abduct women for men

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been advocating Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign, one of the MLAs of his party has virtually started ‘Beti Bhagao’ campaign.

A political furore erupted on Wednesday after a ruling Bharatiya Janata Party legislator threatened to "abduct" girls and bring them to their spurned suitors.

While addressing a large crowd at a dahi handi event, BJP MLA Ram Kadam from Mumbai’s Ghatkopar constituency, was heard saying, "You need anything, just come to me.. If you have proposed to a girl and she has rejected you, I will help you.. 100 per cent. Come to me with your parents and say that they approve of her. Then, I will catch her and bring her to you," Kadam told the gathering, and publicly gave his phone number.

A video of the incident which went viral on Tuesday evening, sparked off a major row.

However, Kadam claimed he had been quoted out of context and the full video-clip was not shown.

"I had no intentions to hurt anybody's sentiments, but if I have done so, I regret it. Certain opponents are behind this misunderstanding," Kadam said in a late-night tweet on Tuesday.

While many questioned the safety of women others called him Ravana. Here are some of the trending tweet:

Aditya Thackrey, President of Yuva Sena, tweeted: “Not just an outright apology from him, but I’d want to know from the Home Minister of Maharashtra what action will be taken for openly making such statements that threaten the safety of girls and offering safety to those wanting to kidnap them.”

In a sharp reaction, State Congress President Ashok Chavan said on one hand the BJP speaks of 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' and on the other its legislators speak of abducting women.

"Has the BJP made him a legislator to kidnap women...?" Chavan asked.

Nationalist Congress Party spokesperson Nawab Malik said with this, "the BJP's 'Ravana' face has emerged.

Ruling ally Shiv Sena's senior leader and spokesperson Neelam Gorhe said though Kadam is named after Ram he harbours evil thoughts like the Demon King Ravana and talks about abducting women.

State Samajwadi Party President Abu Asim Azmi hit out at the legislator by saying that "the BJP supports Kathua, Unnao rape accused," and now its MLA's speech was a clear indicator that its 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign is an eyewash.

"This is only a jumla. Now, the time has come for 'BJP Bhagao, Beti Bachao'," Azmi said on Wednesday.

with inputs from IANS