'In Indian culture even 5 men can share a wife'; Madan Mitra's remark draws flak

Controversial Trinamool Congress legislator Madan Mitra made a lewd remark about women when he said that in Indian culture even five men can share a wife (in an indirect reference to Draupaudi and her five husbands in the Mahabharata). Mitra said, "The Indian culture is where even five husbands can distribute one single wife among them" Mitra said.

He was referring to a finding by the central field inspection team from the Union Ministry of Education to review the implementation of the mid-day meal scheme in West Bengal where an irregularity was revealed where seven cooking assistants were paid equally out of the fund allotted as wage for five individuals.

The comments drew sharp reactions from fashion designer-turned-politician and BJP legislator from Asansol (South) constituency Agnimitra Paul, who said Mitra's comments were proof enough that the state's ruling party has no respect for women. "That is why so many accused of rape and molestation are on the list of Trinamool Congress leaders," she said.

Mitra's comments provoked sharp reactions from his own side as well. According to Trinamool Congress state general secretary and party spokesperson in West Bengal Kunal Ghosh, Mitra would have been more careful with his choice of words. "I strongly condemn Madan Mitra's comments. Every person should be more careful in their choice of words while making any public statement. Any irrational reference to the great Epic of India is never acceptable," Ghosh said.