January 5th 2025.
In New Delhi, BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri from Kalkaji faced backlash on Sunday for his comments about making roads in his constituency as smooth as Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi's cheeks. The Congress party demanded an apology from Bidhuri for his derogatory remarks towards women, and some members of his own party expressed disapproval as well.
Bidhuri, who has a history of making controversial statements, initially stood by his comments and pointed out similar remarks made by RJD leader Lalu Prasad about BJP MP Hema Malini. However, he later posted a message on social media expressing regret if his words had caused any hurt and clarifying that they had been misinterpreted by some for political gain.
In a video that went viral on social media, Bidhuri can be heard saying, "Lalu said in Bihar that he would make roads like Hema Malini's cheeks, but he lied, he could not do it. I assure you that just as we made the roads in Okhla and Sangam Vihar, we will make all the roads in Kalkaji like Priyanka Gandhi's cheeks."
The Congress party strongly condemned Bidhuri's remarks, calling it a reflection of the BJP's anti-women mentality. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate stated that not only was it an insult to Priyanka Gandhi, but to all women. She demanded an apology from Bidhuri and the top leadership of the BJP.
When asked about the Congress' demand for an apology, Bidhuri defended himself by saying, "If this is a mistake, then the one who committed it first should apologize. Isn't Hema Malini a woman?" He also accused the Congress of double standards and hypocrisy, citing their silence when derogatory remarks were made towards Hema Malini, who he described as a woman from a humble background.
Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva stressed the importance of avoiding such statements and maintaining proper conduct and respect towards women. He also reminded the Congress of past incidents where their leaders and allies had made objectionable statements.
BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat also weighed in on the issue, stating that politicians should think carefully before making any statements.
In the midst of the controversy, Bidhuri, a former two-time MP and three-term MLA, posted on social media that his comments had been misinterpreted for political gain and expressed regret if anyone had been hurt.
Meanwhile, Delhi's Chief Minister and AAP candidate from Kalkaji, Atishi, slammed the BJP for fielding an "anti-women" candidate in the constituency. She predicted that the people of Kalkaji and Delhi, especially women, would give a befitting response to the BJP in the upcoming elections.
Congress candidate from Kalkaji and Mahila Congress president Alka Lamba also criticized Bidhuri for his "indecent language" and accused him of disrespecting women once again. She questioned whether the people of Kalkaji would want a representative who shows no regard for the dignity of the House or for women.
The Mahila Congress workers, led by Lamba, also burned an effigy of Bidhuri in protest. According to one of Bidhuri's aides, he made the statement during a campaign event in Kalkaji on Saturday.
The elections for the 70-member Delhi Assembly are scheduled for next month. Bidhuri has a history of making controversial statements, including an outburst against then BSP MP Danish Ali in the Lok Sabha last year. He later expressed regret for his comments in a meeting of the Lok Sabha Privileges Committee.
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