FIR filed against Azam Khan over ‘underwear’ jibe; Jaya Prada responds

Uttar Pradesh police registered an FIR on Monday, 15 April, against Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan over a remark about underwear that the BJP said was aimed at actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada, who is contesting the Lok Sabha election against him from Rampur as the BJP candidate.

The remark

At an election rally, without naming her, Khan told the crowd that they had been represented by her for ten years. He went on to say that it had taken the people of Rampur 17 years to understand her reality, but he had recognised in 17 days that her undergarment was khaki in colour. A video of the speech circulated widely on social media.

Reactions

Jaya Prada said Khan should not be allowed to contest elections, asking what would become of democracy and of women’s place in society if he won. She said she would not be scared into leaving Rampur.

BJP state spokesperson Chandramohan called the comment “an extremely unpalatable and disgraceful” remark and said it showed the Samajwadi Party’s real attitude towards women. The BJP also asked BSP chief Mayawati to clarify her position on the remark.

National Commission for Women Chairperson Rekha Sharma described the comments as very shocking and said the commission would issue Khan a show-cause notice and write to the Election Commission seeking strict action. She said women were not sex objects and urged women voters to reject people who treat women in this way.

Khan’s explanation

On 14 April, Khan said he had been referring to a person in Delhi and offered to withdraw from the contest if found guilty. He said the person, who he described as unwell, had once said he came with 150 rifles and would have shot Khan, and that he had meant this man had turned out to be wearing RSS shorts.

Rampur votes on 23 April, along with a total of 115 constituencies across 15 states in the third phase of the election.

See also: Samajwadi Party and Bharatiya Janata Party

Originally published on 15 April 2019. Rewritten on 9 October 2026.

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