A BJP Lok Sabha member reportedly removed 'ghoonghat' (head covered with sari by Hindu women) while distributing aid to women and also got himself photographed with them at an official function in Uttar Pradesh's Gonda district, about 200 km from here.
According to reports, Brijbhushan Sharan Singh from Kesarganj constituency, on Tuesday distributed cheques to women under the Prime Minister Housing Scheme at Karnailganj in the district.
Scores of women from different parts of the district were present at the function.
Singh reportedly removed the veils of the women before handing them the cheques. He also asked the photographers to click pictures after removing their veils. One of the women covered her face again after Singh removed the veil. Singh, however, removed it again.
He also shook hands with the unwilling women at the function. The feeling of shock and surprise was visible clearly on the faces of the women.
The matter came to light on Wednesday, when pictures of the MP removing the veil and shaking hands with them, appeared in the local media.
Empowerment?
The officials present at the event found nothing wrong with the act and instead termed it a manifestation of ''women's empowerment''.
Women, especially those living in villages in many parts of the country, covered their faces with the veil while interacting with others, especially men.