Recently, actress-cum-politician Khushbu Sundar courted controversy for remarking that the Congress Party, which she was formerly affiliated to, was a “mentally retarded” party. Her comments didn’t go down well with disability activists after which the National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) on Wednesday said that it has lodged police complaints in different districts of Tamil Nadu against the BJP politician.
Khushbu has now apologised for the same and said in a press statement,
I’m terribly sorry for the incorrect use of a couple of phrases in a moment of hastiness, deep distress and anguish. Being a self-made woman, the insinuation that I was being directed and influenced by significant others in my decisions was both objectionable and misogynistic. I have struggled with mental health concerns in my own family and have friends who are capable leaders, insightful and dynamic and living with bipolar disorder and depression. For their friendship and wisdom, I’m richer! Not just am I sensitive to diversity amongst people, but value it and have gained hugely from it. I realise that many leaders in the past have also made similar references and as much as I am disappointed by the inadvertent distress that I have caused many, equally I am now determined to ensure that I do not repeat this ever, whatever the motivation. I also dedicate myself to ensure that the voices of those with psychosocial disability are valued and heard, as they should be.