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Journalism of Courage
AFTER strongly stating that he would not apologise to actor Prajakta Mali for his ‘‘derogatory and sarcastic comments” on her, BJP MLA Suresh Dhas today apologised while claiming that his remarks were misinterpreted.
”My remarks about Prajakta-tai Mali have been misinterpreted. I had no intention to insult her or indulge in any character assassination. I respect all women including Prajakta-tai Mali…As my words have been misinterpreted and if they have hurt anyone’s sentiments, I want to apologise to them…Though I have not erred, I am still want to apologise to them because my focus is on Santosh Deshmukh murder case and the process ahead,” he said.
Dhas made the remarks Saturday in a rally where he attacked Minister Dhananjay Munde and his close associate Valmik Karad over the murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.
During his speech, the BJP alleged that Munde and his aide had created “Parli pattern”, claiming that they invited actor actors for various events. Dhas said Prajakta Mali and other actors were familiar with Parli.
Soon after that Prajakta Mali slammed Dhas for allegedly making a “derogatory” remark against her and dragging her name into issue of Beed sarpanch murder. Some BJP leaders however lent their support to the actor.
On Saturday, the actor, who hosts Sony Marathi’s comedy series Maharashtrachi Hasyajatra, said that she will also approach the state women’s commission and file a complaint. On Monday, she met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and complained to him.
“Dhas’s remarks were derogatory and in bad taste. In his bid for one-upmanship on the political terrain, he unnecessarily tried to drag our names into it (the Beed murder issue)… His comments were entire baseless. Women, especially, actors, should not be made soft targets….Dhas should apologise for it,” the actor said in a press conference in Mumbai.
