"Was Trying To Convey...": Karnataka Minister On Bizarre Remark On Women

Karnataka minister K Sudhakar today said his remarks were taken out of context and only a small part of the speech was shared on social media

A Karnataka minister whose bizarre comment on women at an event yesterday led to widespread criticism on social media has clarified on his remarks. State Health Minister K Sudhakar had said many Indian women do not want to get married or plan to have children, in what was seen as a highly objectionable judgment on gender, especially coming from a public representative.

Mr Sudhakar today said his remarks were taken out of context and only a small part of the speech was shared on social media, news agency ANI reported. He asked people to watch the whole video, adding his comments were based on findings of a survey by YouGov-Mint-CPR Millennial Survey.

"The findings of YouGov-Mint-CPR Millennial Survey shows that, among millennials, 19 per cent aren't interested in either children or marriage. Another 8 per cent want children but are not interested in marriage. Among post-millennials, 23 per cent aren't interested in either children or marriage. As in the case of millennials, 8 per cent want children but are not interested in marriage. There are very little gender-wise differences in these trends. It is applicable to both boys and girls," Mr Sudhakar said.

The Karnataka Health Minister, however, pressed on with his take that following the "western way" is harmful for Indians. "The only point I was trying to convey was that our youth can find solution and solace to mental health issues in our traditional family and its value system which offers a wonderful support system. I had no intention to single out women nor did my words mean so," Mr Sudhakar said today.