Sule kicks up row with 'sarees talk in Parliament' remarks

Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar's daughter and Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule has created a flutter by saying that Parliamentarians gossip among themselves and discuss matters like sarees when caught up in lengthy debates in the house.

As she came under attack for her remarks, Sule on Friday claimed that she was misquoted.

At an event organised by the Nashik-based Fravashi International Academy on Thursday, Sule had said that people think that MPs are discussing important affairs but it may not be the case always when debates are repetitive.

"When I go to Parliament, I hear the first speech, the second speech and third speech. Till the fourth speech, the one who is speaking is saying the same things the earlier speakers have said," she said.

"If you ask me what was said, after the fourth speech, I am unable to do so. We speak to some other MP. While chatting with the MPs, everyone is watching, the TV above is watching. People think the MPs are discussing (affairs of) the country," she said.

"If I am speaking to the MP from Chennai, you will say: Oh God, I may be discussing the heavy rains in Chennai. We don't indulge in any such discussion. We discuss things like: from where did you buy your saree and from where did I get mine," said Sule, who is friends with DMK leader Kanimozhi.

Addressing the students at the event, she said, "You students sometimes get bored after sitting through lectures and then start talking about actress Deepika Padukone and her looks in Bajirao Mastani."

Shiv Sena leader Neelam Gorhe said Sule's remarks were irresponsible.

"There is plenty of work while Parliament session is on. To make such comments demeans the sincere women legislators and MPs who have struggled to become house members," she said.

Speaking on the issue of women's reservation, Sule said, "All the male members in Parliament tease me that if an additional 50 per cent reservation is given to women, then debates in Parliament will be only about sarees, facials and parlours.”

"I have told them many times that you’re the ones who make comments on sarees and have not done much welfare for the country. So it should not be a problem to given the proposal a chance," Sule said.