BJP leaders pass comments against Tamil Nadu female journalist patted by Governor Purohit, triggers fresh row

Referring to Purohit, who later apologised to Subramanian for his action, Tamil Nadu BJP leader S. VE. Shekhar Venkataraman said the Governor should wash his hand with "phenyl" for patting the female journalist's cheek.

Venkataraman said this on a Facebook post, which was later deleted.

After the patting episode which occurred on Apr 17, Venkataraman, who works for The Week, tweeted to say, "Washed my face several times. Still not able to get rid of it. So agitated and angered Mr Governor Banwarilal Purohit. It might be an act of appreciation by you and grandfatherly attitude. But to me you are wrong."

BJP's national secretary H Raja said the purpose of Venkataraman was to defame the Governor and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Taking a step further, Raja implied that no one can become a reporter without compromising with her dignity.

Raja has been quoted by NDTV, "recent complaints show they (journalists) can't become reporters or anchors without sleeping with big shots...Uneducated stupid ugly beings... largely in Tamil Nadu media. This woman is no exception."

Raja has also deleted his post.

The Chennai journalists will hold a protest against both the leaders at BJP's state headquarters on Friday.

In a letter on Wednesday, Purohit said he patted on Lakshmi's cheek as an act of appreciation for her question.

"I considered that question to be a good one. Therefore as an act of appreciation for the question that you had posed, I gave a pat on your cheek considering you to be like my granddaughter" Purohit's letter has been quoted by The Week.

"It was done with affection and to express my appreciation for your performance as a journalist, since I was also a member of that profession for about 40 years."

"I wish to express my regret and my apologies to assuage your sentiments that have been hurt."

Purohit had called the press conference to state he is not involved in a scandal involving a professor known to him who was accused of asking for sexual favours on behalf of college officials for academic degrees.

However Purohit later maintained that he had called the conference over the completion of his six months as the Governor.

Nirmala Devi (46), who used to teach in Devanga Arts College, was arrested on Tuesday.

She is allegedly close to Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, who is also the Chancellor of the University. 

Image: NDTV screenshot grab