Mumbai: Facing a barrage of attacks from the Shiv Sena and the Opposition for his controversial remarks during a dahi handi function, BJP MLA Ram Kadam on Wednesday released a video expressing regret.

The State women’s commission has served a notice on Mr. Kadam, asking him to explain his statements within eight days.

Mothers and sisters’
“Even if I am being criticised based on an incomplete video, I do not want to make any explanation over it. I have the highest regards for mothers and sisters of the State, and therefore I regret my remark,” Mr. Kadam said.

The MLA while addressing the crowd in Ghatkopar said, “If you propose a girl and she denies, you come to me with your parents. If they too like the girl, what will I do? I will kidnap her and give her to you.”

Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said no political party should offer him a ticket to contest elections. “The pearls of wisdom from the BJP legislator demonstrates his heinous mindset. The one who insults women should face action. No political party should give him a ticket.

Mr. Kadam must face the similar action as faced by Prashant Paricharak and Shripad Chhindam.” He urged Mr. Fadnavis to show courage and take action against the BJP MLA. Mr. Paricharak and Mr. Chhindam, supporters of the BJP, have come under criticism for their derogatory comments about the wives of Army jawans and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Mr. Chhindam, who is from Ahmadnagar district, was even arrested.

Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil announced that the Opposition will not let the Assembly function until Mr. Kadam is suspended and action taken against him. “On one hand, the BJP launches Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign and on the other, people like Mr. Kadam talk about Beti Bhagao,” Mr. Vikhe-Patil said.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Mr. Kadam’s former party, demanded that his security cover be withdrawn. “Should Mr. Kadam even dare to touch a woman without her consent, he will regret his decision as the MNS will teach him a lesson that he will never forget,” Shalini Thackeray, general secretary, MNS, said. The party even put up posters in front of the MLA’s house, terming him ‘Ravana’.

The women wing of the NCP took out a morcha against the MLA demanding his arrest. NCP women wing president Chitra Wagh sought his suspension from the Assembly.