Jaipur: The members of Dalit Mahila Manch, Rajasthan, joined by People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) and Vividha, an NGO, staged a dharna at the Ambedkar Circle on Monday in Jaipur. The protestors condemned the Congress legislator Raghu Sharma's alleged derogatory remarks about Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Promila Kundara on August 29 in the state assembly.

They raised slogans and demanded for a public apology from Raghu Sharma.

"Raghu Sharma's remark in Rajasthan Legislative Assembly on August 29 is an insult for all women. We want him to come out in public and tender an apology for his comment. Apparently, he is ignorant of the Indian culture, which treats women with dignity," said Suman Devathiya, convenor of the Manch.

PUCL general secretary Kavita said that it was an attack on the dignity of women. "Such things should not be tolerated. A party that is run by a woman, should not let such incidents happen that attack the dignity of women. The comments were unparliamnetary and it is a serious matter," Kavita added.

The protesters also sent copies of the memorandum to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, speaker of state assembly, the governor and leader of opposition. They threatened to intensify their protest if no action was taken.