Women Shouldn't Have Mobile Phones: BSP MP

Bangalore: A BSP leader Rajpal Saini stirred another mobile controversy by saying that women and children don't need mobile phones. Saini said "There is no need to give phones to women and children. It distracts them and is useless," as reported by IBN Live.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) called his comments distasteful. NCW Chairperson Mamata Sharma was quoted saying "What is the difference between boys and girls. On one hand we talk about women empowerment and on the other, such comments are made. We have made great advancements in technology. Why can't boys and girls benefit from it?"

Further, SP leader Kamal Farooqi slammed Saini and said, "It is unfortunate that such a statement is coming from an MP. He doesn't understand how technology has revolutionised the whole thing and especially women folk. It is important that they stay in touch with their loved ones and close relations," reported IBN Live.

The MP from Muzaffarnagar told a gathering in his village that women should be barred from using mobile phones.

"Hamari maa behnon ke paas to mobile na tha, kya mar gayin wo sab?" (Our mothers and sisters never had them, did they die without this gadget?)" he said amid nods of approval from the villagers.

He further said "What I am saying is that students should not be given mobile phones. It is the age to study, and mobile phones are a distraction. Due to mobile phones, they lose their way and do not focus on their studies," as reported NDTV.

Raj Pal Singh said most problems faced by women today were due to posession of mobiles. He even suggested that elders in all families should take back the mobile phones given to girls and women in their homes. Social activists are up in arms against the MP.

One of them, Arti Mishra, told IANS that the statement was not only "bad in taste" but discriminatory. "The president of the MP's party is a woman, we are waiting for the reaction of Maywati now," she added.

(With IANS inputs)

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