NCP workers protest across Maharashtra over agriculture minister’s remarks against Supriya Sule

“An extremely crass and shameful statement on Mrs Supriya Sule by Maharashtra minister Abdul Sattar. This is an insult to all women and shows his cheap mindset. Abdul Sattar and his likes should stop testing our patience because we know how to protect the dignity of our women,” NCP spokesperson Clyde Crasto said.

The party demanded that CM Eknath Shinde sack Sattar from his Cabinet within 24 hours or face a statewide agitation. It also wrote to the local police, demanding an FIR against Sattar. NCP state president and former water resources minister Jayant Patil also tweeted, addressing CM Shinde to sack Sattar. “Sattar has made many controversial statements in the past. Chief Minister Eknathrao Shinde should immediately take the resignation from Abdul Sattar (sic),” he tweeted.

While Sattar said he was ready to apologise, he added that he did not say anything objectionable. “I respect women. I have not said a single word about women. If my words have hurt the hearts of sisters, I am willing to apologise. However, I have not said anything like that,” he said.

Shiv Sena (BBS) spokesperson and minister Deepak Kesarkar expressed regret on behalf of their party. “We all respect Sharad Pawar saheb and Supriya Sule ji and we keep saying that no one should use any wrong or insulting words against them. I wish to clarify that no one should make any personal remarks against them. I am expressing regret to Sule ji on behalf of our party and hoping that the issue will be resolved now. Also, only CM Shinde will give whatever instructions Sattar ji has to be given,” he said.

Sources said CM Shinde is also upset with Sattar and has instructed him to extend an apology to Sule.

Meanwhile, state women’s commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar has issued a notice to state Director General of Police Rajnish Seth, instructing him to initiate action against Sattar, and submit his report to them.