Union Minister of Home Affairs Rajnath Singh on Saturday, used India’s powerful #MeToo wave as a ‘joke’ to take a dig at his party’s political opponents.

Addressing a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) event in Hyderabad, Singh remarked in extremely poor taste, “..kahin aise haalat na ho jaayein, saari vipakshi partiyan gathbandhan kar lein aur bad mein jab Congress se dhoka kha jaayein, toh #MeToo campaign chalane ke liye majboor ho jaayein (Later on, a situation should not arise where Congress’ allies get deceived and are forced to start a #MeToo campaign),” reported News18.

For the past one month, India’s powerful #MeToo campaign against sexual harassment has emboldened many women to come forward and narrate their traumatic experiences. Many famous men have had to face consequences upon being named and shamed as sexual harassers, including Bollywood personalities, journalists and writers. Former editor and BJP MP MJ Akbar, was forced to resign from the post of Minister of State for External Affairs, after he was accused of sexual harassment by over 25 women journalists.

Also Read: #MeToo Sacking MJ Akbar Not Enough: Media Must Question Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Modi & Amit Shah

The phrase ‘MeToo’, coined by Tarana Burke, has empowered survivors all over the world to speak up about sexual harassment and abuse and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Rajnath Singh’s insensitivity is even more shocking considering he is part of the three member ministerial committee set up to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks for ensuring better implementation of workplace sexual harassment laws in India.

Also Read: Shameful: BJP Minister Says #MeToo Started By ‘Perverted Minds’