"Only when Sitaji crossed the Lakshman rekha, she was kidnapped by Ravan...If Sitaji (woman) crosses the Lakshman rekha, then 'Sitaharan' (crime against them) is bound to take place as Ravans are out there," he said invoking an incident from epic Ramayana to explain the reason behind the recent spate of crimes against women.
"When people cross their limitations, deterioration is bound to happen. It applies to everyone in the society, men or women," the MP industries minister said.
The minister's remark drew sharp reaction from Congress with Leader of Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Ajay Singh terming it as "shameful" and demanding his immediate dismissal.
BJP had demanded a special session of Parliament to discuss women-related issues and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan had yesterday spoken about the need to be sensitive towards rape victims after a meeting with Chief Justice of the high court, Singh said.
"All this has no meaning if he (the Chief Minister) cannot muster courage to dismiss Vijayawargiya who has insulted Indian womanhood," he said.