Congress, BJP denounce Tapas Pal's rape statements against women

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Tapas Pal's derogatory comments about sending his men to the homes of Communist Party of India (Marxist) leaders to rape their women have been strongly condemned by both BJP and Congress.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Nalin Kohli termed the MP's comments as inhuman, disgusting and totally deplorable.

He said, "The concerned MP has spoken about himself being a 'gunda' in the past, he has spoken about using a gun and worst of all he has said that people should go out and rape opponents. There is a reign of terror running in West Bengal. I expect action at the earliest."

Congress leader Shobha Ojha demanded strong action against Pal, "Tapas Pal's statement is horrendous, shameful. Mamata Banerjee should take immediate action against him. The police should take sou moto action against him because it's very shameful if a representative of people speaks in this fashion."

Pal had told a gathering in Krishnanagar, "I will send my boys to their (attackers) homes and ask them to rape their women. If any of our Trinamool men are touched, I will ensure that the CPI (M) is finished and ensure that their homes are burnt off."

While the TMC has sought a written explanation from Tapas Pal, his wife, Nandita Pal, apologized for his statements by saying, "Whatever he said is not right. I am sorry about it."