New Delhi, January 6: A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader has stirred a massive controversy after making a derogatory comment about Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra during an election campaign in Delhi. The comment, made by Ramesh Bidhuri, BJP’s candidate from the Kalkaji constituency, has sparked outrage from opposition parties, especially Congress, who have accused the BJP of perpetuating misogyny.
Bidhuri, while addressing voters during a door-to-door campaign on Sunday, said, “If I win this election, I will ensure that the roads in this constituency are as smooth as Priyanka Gandhi’s cheeks.” The remark, which was intended to highlight infrastructural promises, backfired immediately, drawing sharp criticism for its sexist tone.
Congress Condemns Bidhuri’s Comment as Misogynistic
Congress leaders were quick to condemn Bidhuri’s statement, calling it a reflection of BJP’s deep-rooted misogyny and lack of respect for women. Supriya Shrinate, Congress spokesperson, said, “This is a shameful and despicable remark. It exposes the disgusting mindset of BJP leaders. Ramesh Bidhuri has repeatedly used derogatory language against opponents and women. The BJP leadership has never taken any action against him. This shows the real face of the BJP.”
Shrinate also pointed out that Bidhuri had previously used abusive language in Parliament. “In 2023, Bidhuri made communal and offensive remarks against BSP MP Danish Ali inside the Lok Sabha. Despite the uproar, the BJP took no action. Instead, they are now fielding him in the Delhi Assembly elections. Is this the kind of leadership the BJP wants to promote?” she questioned.
AAP Also Joins the Chorus of Condemnation
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is in power in Delhi, also slammed Bidhuri’s remarks. AAP MP Sanjay Singh took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his outrage.
“Look at the language used by BJP’s Kalkaji candidate. He claims he will build roads as smooth as Priyanka Gandhi’s cheeks. Is this how BJP respects women? Can women in Delhi feel safe under leaders like him?” Singh wrote.
Atishi Marlena, AAP’s candidate from Kalkaji and a sitting minister in the Delhi government, also criticized Bidhuri. “The BJP has fielded a candidate who has a history of using offensive language against women. How can Delhi’s women trust such a person to represent them?” Atishi asked.
Bidhuri Defends His Remark by Referring to Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Past Comment
Despite the backlash, Ramesh Bidhuri defended his controversial remark by drawing a parallel with a comment made by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav.
“Why didn’t Congress feel offended when Lalu Prasad said something similar about Hema Malini? Isn’t she a woman too? Back then, Lalu was a minister in a Congress-led government, and they remained silent. If both men made mistakes, both should apologize. If Congress admits their mistake, I will too,” Bidhuri said.
He referred to Lalu’s statement from the early 2000s, when the RJD leader, while discussing road development in Bihar, had said that he wanted to build roads as smooth as actress Hema Malini’s cheeks. The remark had created a similar uproar at the time, but Lalu’s party had defended it as a humorous statement.
Congress’s Response to Bidhuri’s Defense
Congress leaders rejected Bidhuri’s defense, saying that past comments do not justify present-day sexism.
“What Lalu Prasad said decades ago was wrong, and what Bidhuri is saying today is equally wrong. Two wrongs don’t make a right. BJP must take responsibility for its leaders’ misogynistic behavior. Women deserve respect, not comparisons to body parts,” Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said.
Bidhuri Issues Apology but Fails to Quell the Backlash
As the controversy escalated, Bidhuri issued an apology on social media.
“It was never my intention to insult anyone. My comment was meant to highlight my commitment to improving infrastructure. However, if my words have hurt anyone, I sincerely apologize,” he wrote.
However, his apology did little to quell the backlash. Political analysts noted that Bidhuri’s apology appeared more tactical than sincere.
“The BJP is under pressure to retain its base in Delhi. Bidhuri’s comments may have been intended to appeal to certain voters, but they have backfired massively,” said political analyst Rajeev Mishra.
Bidhuri’s History of Controversial Remarks
This is not the first time Ramesh Bidhuri has made headlines for his controversial remarks. In September 2023, Bidhuri faced severe criticism for using communal slurs against BSP MP Danish Ali during a Lok Sabha session. The remarks were caught on camera, leading to widespread outrage. Despite calls for action, BJP did not expel him from the party. However, the incident reportedly played a role in BJP denying him a ticket for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Bidhuri’s reappearance in the political arena as a candidate in the Delhi Assembly elections has reignited concerns about BJP’s stance on discipline and accountability within the party.
Political Fallout and Implications
The controversy is expected to have political implications in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. Congress and AAP have both intensified their campaigns, accusing BJP of promoting leaders who lack respect for women.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi has yet to comment on the issue. However, sources within the party suggest that the matter will be raised during campaign rallies to highlight BJP’s alleged double standards on women’s safety and dignity.
“BJP claims to empower women, but their leaders continue to make derogatory remarks. This is not an isolated incident. It is part of a pattern,” said Congress leader Salman Khurshid.
The BJP, on the other hand, is trying to downplay the controversy. Party insiders believe that Bidhuri’s comment will not have a lasting impact on the elections. However, with the opposition making women’s safety a key issue, BJP may find itself on the defensive in the coming weeks.
Public Reactions
The controversy has also sparked reactions from civil society and women’s rights activists. Many have called for stricter guidelines on how politicians address women in public discourse.
“We cannot allow our leaders to make casual, sexist remarks. It normalizes disrespect toward women. Political leaders must be held accountable for their words,” said Kavita Krishnan, a prominent women’s rights activist.
The Election Commission of India has also been urged to take note of the incident and issue guidelines to ensure respectful language during campaigns.
As Delhi gears up for a heated election season, the fallout from Bidhuri’s comment may continue to resonate in the political landscape, with women’s dignity and safety becoming a central theme of the debate.
