NEW DELHI (TIP): OverseasIndian Affairs Minister VayalarRavi apologised after hiscomment with sexist innuendoagainst a woman journalist fromKerala landed him in troublewith women activists and the BJPdemanding his resignation.“I’m sorry for the comment. Ihave already conveyed my regretfor the remark to the TV channelin which the journalist works,”Ravi said. But NationalCommission for Womanchairperson Mamta Sharma saidthe commission would probe thematter.

“Coming from theposition of power and maturity, itis really highly deplorable that hehas made such a sexistcomment,” said rights activistRanjana Kumari.She said the issue should beraised in parliament as “this hasbecome almost a habit of thepolitical class”. “If he lostcontrol, definitely apology isjustified,” said BJP spokespersonNirmala Sitharaman.Information and BroadcastingMinister Manish Tewari saidRavi has apologised for hiscomments and the matter shouldrest there.

The woman journalist hadsought Ravi’s reaction on demandto make Rajya Sabha DeputyChairperson P J Kurien standtrial in the Suryanelli sex scam.Ravi responded with a swipe atthe reporter, asking if she had apersonal grudge against Kurien.“Do you have anythingpersonal against Kurien? I’m sureyou do. Has something happenedbetween you and him in thepast?” Ravi said as his commentswere caught on camera.