Indian Politician’s Sexist Remark Ignites Political Firestorm
A leading member of India’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is facing intense backlash after making a sexist remark about a prominent opposition figure. Ramesh Bidhuri, the BJP’s candidate for the Kalkaji assembly seat in Delhi, sparked outrage on Sunday, January 5th, 2025, with comments comparing the smoothness of roads he plans to build to the appearance of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi’s cheeks.
Bidhuri’s statement, made during a campaign event, instantly drew condemnation from the Congress party, which vowed to file a police report against him. The controversy quickly escalated,dominating headlines and social media discussions across India.
The Controversial Remarks
Bidhuri’s comments drew a direct comparison to a previous remark made by Lalu Yadav, a leader from a different party, about actress Hema Malini. He stated, “We will build all roads in Kalkaji like the cheeks of Priyanka Gandhi. Lalu had said that he would build roads in Bihar like the cheeks of Hema Malini, he had lied. He could not. But I assure you that we will make all roads in Kalkaji like the cheeks of Priyanka Gandhi.”
Bidhuri’s Apology and Backlash
Following the widespread criticism, Bidhuri issued an apology, claiming his words were taken out of context and expressing regret if anyone was offended. However,his initial defense of his remarks,referencing Yadav’s previous statement and suggesting a tit-for-tat response,further fueled the controversy. He stated, “I have said that in the context of what Lalu Yadav had said. Congress remained silent on that even when he (Lalu Yadav) was a minister in their govt… If anyone is hurt by my remark, I express regret over it and I take my words back…” His earlier defense included the statement, “What Lalu Yadav – who was a minister in their (Congress) govt had said – he should apologise first for what he said about Hema Malini… What I said, I compared it with what had been said earlier. Pawan Khera should apologise first for what he said about the father of the PM. We will reply to them in the language that they will use. is Hema Malini, not a woman?”
Even within his own party, Bidhuri’s actions faced criticism. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva, while stating he hadn’t heard the remarks directly, urged party leaders to refrain from making similar comments about women.
Political Fallout and Implications
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing sexism and misogyny in Indian politics. The controversy has raised questions about the standards of political discourse and the accountability of public figures for their statements. the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections add another layer of complexity to the situation, with the incident likely to impact voter perceptions and party strategies.
The incident underscores the importance of respectful political discourse and the need for holding public figures accountable for their words and actions. the ongoing fallout serves as a reminder of the notable impact such comments can have on the political landscape and public perception.
BJP Candidate’s Sexist remarks Ignite Firestorm in Delhi Election Race
The Delhi elections are heating up, and a controversial statement by BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri has thrown fuel on the fire. Bidhuri, who was previously denied a BJP ticket in last year’s general elections, is now running against Chief Minister Atishi. His recent remarks targeting Congress leader Priyanka gandhi Vadra have sparked widespread condemnation and calls for his removal from the race.
Bidhuri’s comments, which were deemed sexist by many, have drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum. Congress, the AAP, and even some within the BJP itself have voiced their disapproval. The controversy underscores the increasingly tense political climate in Delhi as the election draws closer.
Congress Demands Action, Files FIR
Congress candidate Alka Lamba, running in the Kalkaji constituency, strongly denounced Bidhuri’s remarks. “Everyone is thinking what kind of a remark it is… Everyone has sisters, daughters, and mothers at home,” lamba stated, adding that Congress plans to file a police report (FIR) against Bidhuri. She questioned the BJP’s decision to nominate him, stating, “Everyone is thinking that BJP had made a mistake by nominating him but should they make a mistake by voting for him?”
Congress leader Supriya Shrinate echoed these sentiments, labeling the BJP as “anti-women” and demanding a response from the party’s leadership. “Will the women party workers of BJP, party president JP Nadda, and PM Modi say anything?” she questioned.
AAP Joins Chorus of Condemnation
Chief Minister Atishi, Bidhuri’s opponent in the election, also condemned the remarks, stating, “BJP is anti-women, it is indeed an open secret and it is a matter of concern that this same BJP is in charge of Delhi’s law and order. Ramesh Bidhuri’s statement shows the mentality of the BJP. Women of Delhi will give a befitting reply to Ramesh Bidhuri’s statement and BJP in the upcoming election.” The AAP has further criticized Bidhuri’s past actions, highlighting his controversial statements in the Lok Sabha.
AAP leader Saurabh bharadwaj also criticized Bidhuri and fellow candidate Sandeep Dikshit, suggesting a close relationship between Dikshit and the BJP. “Compelled by his habit,Ramesh Bidhuri said such vile things about Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Ji,but Sandeep Dikshit didn’t dare to utter a single word against Ramesh Bidhuri. The depth of the relationship between Sandeep Dikshit and the BJP can be understood just from this,” Bharadwaj said.
Bidhuri’s Past Controversies
This isn’t Bidhuri’s first brush with controversy. He previously faced criticism for remarks made against Opposition MP Danish Ali in the Lok Sabha, were he was described as “militant and terrorist.” This past controversy led to the BJP initially denying him a ticket in the general elections, only to reinstate him for the upcoming Delhi elections.
The ongoing controversy surrounding Bidhuri’s comments is highly likely to significantly impact the Delhi election campaign, raising questions about the BJP’s commitment to women’s rights and the overall tone of the political discourse.
their (Congress) govt had said – he should apologise first for what… pic.twitter.com/slLIn85smM— ANI (@ANI) January 5, 2025
BJP Leader’s Remark Sparks Political Firestorm
A controversial comment by a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader has ignited a political firestorm in India. the remark, comparing roads to the cheeks of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition party.
The statement, made by BJP leader Vijender Gupta, quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation.The incident highlights the increasingly tense political climate in the country and underscores the often-heated rhetoric employed during election seasons.
Gupta’s comment, “Roads are like Priyanka Gandhi’s cheeks – very soft,” was met with immediate backlash from the Congress party. The party condemned the remark as disrespectful and inappropriate, accusing Gupta of resorting to personal attacks rather than engaging in substantive political debate.
“Roads are like Priyanka Gandhi’s cheeks – very soft.”
While the exact context of Gupta’s statement remains unclear, its impact is undeniable. The remark has fueled existing tensions between the BJP and Congress, two of India’s most prominent political parties. The incident serves as a reminder of the often-divisive nature of Indian politics and the role of inflammatory rhetoric in shaping public discourse.
The controversy also raises questions about the standards of political discourse in India. Critics argue that such comments contribute to a climate of negativity and polarization,hindering productive dialogue and undermining the democratic process. The incident has prompted calls for greater civility and responsibility in political rhetoric.
This incident mirrors similar controversies in the United States, where personal attacks and inflammatory language have become increasingly common in political campaigns and public debate. The use of such tactics often overshadows substantive policy discussions and can alienate voters.
The ongoing fallout from Gupta’s statement underscores the need for political leaders to engage in respectful and constructive dialogue. The focus should remain on policy issues and the needs of the electorate,rather than resorting to personal attacks that only serve to deepen political divisions.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen what further consequences Gupta might face for his remarks. The incident,however,serves as a stark reminder of the power of words and the importance of responsible political discourse.
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