JD (U) leader asks Smriti to use textiles to cover body

Former Human Resource Development minister Smriti Irani has been making news for all the wrong reasons. This time, however, Irani is not to be blamed.

According to an ABP report, JD (U) leader Ali Anwar has said, "Good that Irani has been elected as Textile minister; it will help her cover body." Ali made this comment when Smriti Irani was moved to the Textile Ministry after the cabinet reshuffle on July 5. 

Defending his crass remark, Ali claimed to be "referring to the bodies of the people in general".

"There are some sections of the media who've altered the statement I made. I think the media should instead apologise which have portrayed me in a negative manner," he told ANI.

"This is completely wrong. I never made such a statement, I never commented on Smriti Irani, rather I was commenting about the Textile Ministry which covers the body of people. I always respect women, why would I say about her. I have immense respect for her," he added.

Newly-appointed HRD minister Prakash Javadekar condemned the comment, saying that this was "the worst comment I had ever heard of".