BJP leader Sushma Swaraj on Friday attacked Samajwadi Party MP Azam Khan over sexist remarks he directed at BJP MP Rama Devi while she was presiding over the Lok Sabha during the debate on the Triple Talaq bill.

Swaraj’s tweet

In a sharply worded tweet, the former Union minister said Khan was known for statements showing that he “suffers from mental perversion”. She said his words to a woman presiding officer had gone beyond every limit of decency, and that he deserved strict punishment to protect the dignity and decorum of the House.

Demands for action

Thursday’s incident drew anger from leaders across the political spectrum, who have demanded that Khan either apologise or face action. According to sources, Khan has been told to present himself before Speaker Om Birla on Monday; should he refuse to apologise, the House will pass a resolution empowering the Speaker to take “exemplary action” against him.

Rama Devi has sought tougher action, saying Khan should be expelled from the Lok Sabha because he has never respected women. Textiles Minister Smriti Irani said women cannot be insulted, whatever party they belong to, and warned Khan that he could not misbehave and escape the consequences. She told the Lok Sabha that police would have arrested him had he made the comments outside the House.

See also: Samajwadi Party | Lok Sabha members

Originally published on 27 July 2019. Rewritten on 9 October 2026.

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