'Women are communal because of sexual frustration'

Khushwant Singh's remarks that women who tend to be religious fanatics are sexually frustrated, have caused a stir. In a recent article, Singh analysed the behaviour and life of four women close to Hindutva ideology.

He also said that female species are often more deadlier than males and if a woman turn venomous, 'she can hiss like a cobra'. The BJP is aghast and has condemned Singh's column.

The nonagenarian Sardar cites examples of Sadhvi Ritambhara, Uma Bharti, Pragya Singh Thakur and Mayaben Kodnani. They are all from the ranks of the Sangh Parivar (RSS).

He says that Rithambara indulges in double-speak, on TV she is sugar and honey, holding children but in real life spouts venon against Muslims. Former MP Chief Minister Uma Bharti wears saffron robe and terms herself a protector of cows but openly claims her role in demolition of Babri Masjid.

The next on Singh's list is Sadhwi Pragya Singh Thakur, who is in jail for Malegaon blast case. Singh says that though she is a good-looking woman, she turned a killer (though yet to be established as case is in the court).

The last is Gujarat's ex-minister Mayaben Kodnani, who is in custody for her role in Naroda Patiya massacre where nearly 100 Muslims were killed. She is alleged to have incited mobs.

She is a gynaecologist and took the Hippocratic oath to save lives but provoked violence, writes Singh. They are all ladies and educated and love Lord Rama just like Gandhi did, he further writes.

The Dirty Old Man goes on to write that if these ladies had a fulfilling sexual life, the venom which they spout have been drained out of systems.

Sex is the best therapy against frustration. A woman has heavier responsibility than a man in bringing up children. I appeal to these worthy ladies and all others to ponder over the words of M.K. Gandhi....

Of course, some BJP leaders may object but it is equally true that in India writers rarely so candid. That's the reason why columnists don't have enjoy huge readership here unlike in the West.

Well in his 90s, Singh still keeps ruffling a few feathers and that should be inspiring for journalists who avoid writing things that would displease others.