BJP demands Rahul's conciliatory apology over 'cultural issue' comment

New Delhi, Aug 23 The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to apologize for considering viciousness against ladies in India a "cultural issue."

"Rahul should to apologize for saying that whatever is occurring in India against ladies is because of problem in our culture. He could have discussed mentality. I concur that there is an issue with the mindset of a few people. In any case, he is trying to put India down by saying that there is an issue with Indian culture," BJP representative Sambit Patra said while addressing a press conference here.

On Wednesday, while addressing a gathering at Kampnagel Theater in Bucerius Summer School in Germany, Rahul Gandhi stated: "I would differ with the idea that India is the most unsafe place for ladies. In any case, I would concur with the possibility that the treatment of ladies in India leaves a lot to be desired. There is a huge amount of violence against ladies in India. A lot of it is visible, a considerable measure of it is in the city, yet a huge amount of it is imperceptible. It occurs in houses. A lady never discusses it. It is a social issue, it is an issue of how Indian men see Indian ladies and I think it requires a huge amount of work to fix that issue."

Meanwhile, Sambit Patra also criticised the Congress party with respect to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

"Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's regime, all 36 states and Union Territories have the Right to Food. In 70 years they (Congress) achieved the sign of 11. Be that as it may, we have achieved each home with the Right to Food. You say that we have weakened MGNREGA? Rahul ji MGNREGA was a momentous disappointment amid your opportunity. From stupendous inability to an amazing achievement - this is the account of MGNREGA. Under Prime Minister Modi's regime , more than 56 percent ladies have got jobs," Patra said.