BJP candidate from Kalkaji, Ramesh Bidhuri, has sparked a political storm with two controversial remarks targeting Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Bidhuri’s statements, made during a public event in poll-bound Delhi, have drawn widespread criticism from rival parties, who accuse him of “insulting women” and promoting an “anti-women” mindset.
The Remarks
In his first comment, Bidhuri controversially claimed he would build roads in Kalkaji “as smooth as Priyanka Gandhi’s cheeks.” In another remark targeting CM Atishi, he reportedly alluded to her surname change, stating that she had “changed her father.”
A video of Bidhuri’s statements, which emerged on social media on Sunday evening, has since gone viral, intensifying the backlash.
Opposition Outrage
Both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress have demanded a public apology from Bidhuri.
AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar lambasted the remarks, saying:
“Imagine if he becomes an MLA by mistake and the kind of attitude he will have against women. The women of Delhi will take revenge, and Ramesh Bidhuri will lose by a big margin to Delhi CM Atishi.”
Congress leaders echoed similar sentiments, calling for Bidhuri’s immediate apology and condemning his remarks as reflective of the BJP’s alleged disregard for women’s dignity.
Bidhuri’s Defense
Amid the uproar, Bidhuri initially appeared defiant, defending his comments by pointing to a similar statement made years ago by RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav about actor and BJP MP Hema Malini.
“Lalu said he would make roads like Hema Malini’s cheeks, but he failed to deliver. I assure you, just as we improved roads in Okhla and Sangam Vihar, we will make Kalkaji roads as smooth as Priyanka Gandhi’s cheeks,” Bidhuri remarked in the viral video.
However, facing mounting pressure, Bidhuri expressed regret in a post on X (formerly Twitter), claiming his comments had been “misconstrued for political gains.”
Political Fallout
The controversy has reignited debates over the tone of political discourse in India, with critics accusing Bidhuri of resorting to sexist rhetoric to demean his rivals. The BJP has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, while opposition leaders continue to demand accountability.