RJD leader defends 'lipstick, bob cut' remark on women reservation: 'Wanted to explain them in their language'

In a video clip that surfaced on social media on Saturday, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Abdul Bari Siddiqui's speech can be heard saying, "Those with lipsticks and bob cut hairstyles would come forward in the name of women's reservation." His statement on the recently-approved Women Reservation Bill sparked a controversy on Saturday.

Defending his remarks, Siddiqui told news agency ANI that his "intention was not to hurt anyone" and that he made the remarks "to explain (about the bill) to the rural woman in their language".

"My intention was to just make them understand in their own language...If someone is hurt, I express regret... It was a gathering of extremely backward classes and I was teaching them...The RJD had been in support of Women's Reservation since the beginning..." Siddiqui while speaking at a rally in Bihar's Muzaffarpur.

According to reports, Siddiqui, in his speech, was batting for reservations for women belonging to the backward communities. The RJD leader even advised his supporters to stay away from television and social media until the upcoming Lok Sabha elections conclude, India Today reported.

The Women's Reservation Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha during a special session of Parliament earlier this month. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the bill on Thursday. The Bill seeks to provide 33 per cent reservation to women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Now, it will be officially known as the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act.