A fresh political controversy has erupted in Uttarakhand after a video clip featuring BJP leader Girdhari Lal Sahu, husband of state minister Rekha Arya, went viral on social media, triggering outrage across political lines and sharp criticism from the opposition.

In the viral video, Sahu is clearly heard making a highly objectionable remark about marriage, saying, “Bihar me shadi ke liye Rs 20–25 hazar mein ladkiyan milti hain” (Girls are available for marriage in Bihar for Rs 20,000–25,000). The comment, made during a public interaction, has been widely condemned for being derogatory, misogynistic, and insulting to women.

The clip shows Sahu speaking casually with a group of young men, asking about their marital status and suggesting that marriages could be arranged cheaply in Bihar. Soon after the video surfaced online, it spread rapidly across social media platforms, drawing strong reactions from women’s groups, activists, and opposition leaders.

The Congress party launched a fierce attack on the BJP, alleging that the statement reflects a deep-rooted anti-women mindset within the ruling party. Congress leaders said such remarks reduce women to commodities and expose the BJP’s repeated failures in addressing issues of gender dignity and respect. They demanded accountability and questioned the silence of the state government.

Girdhari Lal Sahu is a BJP leader, while his wife Rekha Arya is a sitting MLA from the Someshwar Assembly constituency and a cabinet minister in the Pushkar Singh Dhami-led Uttarakhand government. Although Rekha Arya has not issued a detailed response, the controversy has put the ruling party on the defensive.

As criticism mounted, Sahu issued a public apology on social media. He claimed that the remark was made during a general conversation at a programme in Dolaghat and alleged that his words were taken out of context for political reasons. He said he respects women and apologised to anyone whose sentiments were hurt by his statement.

Despite the apology, the political storm has refused to die down. Opposition parties continue to press the BJP for action, while the ruling party maintains that the issue is being deliberately politicised. The incident has once again ignited a broader debate on the conduct of political leaders and the need for greater sensitivity in public discourse, especially on issues involving women’s dignity.