NGO seeks action against MNS corporator for disparaging comment

It's not over yet for Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) corporator Sandeep Deshpande, who had allegedly made a comment against women corporators on Wednesday.

In more embarrassment for him on Thursday, an NGO working for women's cause sought action against him for allegedly making disparaging remarks against a woman BJP corporator in civic House.

Office-bearers of Maharashtra Rajya Mahila Lok Aayog, a parallel women's commission in the state, called upon mayor Snehal Ambekar and municipal commissioner Sitaram Kunte, requesting the two to act against Deshpande, MNS's group leader in the BMC.

During the general body meeting on Wednesday, reacting to a comment by BJP corporator Jyoti Alawani, Deshpande had alleged that some women corporators have won taking advantage of their husbands' support. This had not gone down well with women corporators, following which he had apologised.

"Deshpande's statement reflects his chauvinism. It is demeaning for women. Several women corporators have won in their own capacity, work ethics and strong public contacts, despite having contested from open wards," said Rachana Agrawal, Mumbai unit chief of the organisation.

Notwithstanding the Dadar corporator's oral apology, Agarwal has demanded strict administrative action against a person who disrespects women, as well as an apology in writing.

Ambekar said, "What he said was definitely wrong. That's why we had summoned a group leaders' meeting and reprimanded him. He was also told to issue an apology."

Deshpande, however, refused to comment on the issue. "I will not react to demands and allegations made by any Tom, Dick and Harry," he said.