While addressing an election campaign in Dabra, where the Congress is up against Imarti Devi of the BJP, Kamal Nath had said that his party candidate is a ‘simple person’ different from the BJP candidate who is an ‘item.’   However, talking to media persons, Kamal  Nath said that there is no question of apologising over the issue.  Gndhi’sn statement was regarding the word usage ’item” by Kamal Nath in reference to BJP women candidate recently.

"One cannot treat women with lack of respect. Kamal Nath ji is from my party. But I personally do not like the kind of language that Kamal Nath ji has used. I do not appreciate it. It is unfortunate,” Rahul Gandhi said.  The remarks have triggered anger with BJP leaders, led by chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, staging protests. Chouhan has also written to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, asking her to condemn Nath's remarks and remove him from all party posts.

On being asked whether he will apologise to BJP leader Imarti Devi, Kamal Nath said, “Why would I apologize to any one, as I have already said I did not intent to disrespect anyone and if any one felt offended, I regretted it earlier on Monday.

The National Commission for Women has sought a justification from the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister for his remark. Kamal Nath has expressed regret over his remark however, asserted that he did not say anything disrespectful.

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Kamal Nath said this on Rahul Gandhi's reaction over item remark

Rahul on Kamal Nath's 'item' statement, says,'I don't like this kind of language'