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The recent statement made by BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri against Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi has ignited a significant political controversy in India. The undated video, which surfaced recently, shows Mr. Bidhuri making a deeply offensive and sexist remark about Ms. Gandhi while discussing his party's campaign promises for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. This incident has once again highlighted the ongoing tension between the BJP and the Congress party, and broader concerns about sexism and misogyny in Indian politics. The seemingly casual nature of the remark, made within the context of a political discussion, underscores the normalization of such behavior in some political circles. The controversy quickly escalated following the release of the video, with strong condemnations pouring in from various political figures. The severity of the remark is heightened by the fact that Mr. Bidhuri is the BJP's chosen candidate to contest the Kalkaji constituency against the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Atishi, the current Delhi Chief Minister.
Congress leader Supriya Shrinate was among the first to publicly denounce Mr. Bidhuri's statement, calling it “shameful” and indicative of the BJP's alleged “anti-women” mindset. Her statement, released on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), strongly criticized not only the content of the remark but also highlighted what she views as a pattern of unchecked behavior by Mr. Bidhuri. Shrinate’s reference to a past incident where Bidhuri allegedly used foul language against a fellow MP in the House, and faced no significant repercussions, underscores the accusations of implicit support for such conduct from within the BJP. This criticism has been echoed by many within the opposition and across various political spectrums, raising questions about the accountability of public figures for inappropriate behavior. Other politicians, such as AAP MP Sanjay Singh, also publicly condemned the statement. Singh's condemnation, further emphasized the concern about women’s safety and security under the BJP's leadership. The video sharing and subsequent comments on X amplified the controversy reaching a wider audience.
In response to the mounting criticism, Mr. Bidhuri initially attempted to defend his comments by invoking a similar alleged remark made by former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav against actress Hema Malini. This justification was widely rejected as weak and inappropriate, as it attempted to deflect responsibility and failed to address the inherent sexism within his own statement. His attempt to justify his actions by invoking another instance of potentially similar behavior only served to further damage his reputation and that of the BJP. The lack of a clear and unequivocal apology in his initial response further exacerbated the situation. The attempt to frame the controversy as a reciprocal exchange of insults between political parties ignored the fundamental difference in the power dynamic and the implications of such language used by a high-profile political figure against a woman. Later, following the significant backlash, Mr. Bidhuri issued a statement on X expressing regret, stating his intentions were not to insult anyone. However, this late apology, coming only after widespread condemnation, was viewed by many as damage control rather than a genuine expression of remorse.
The incident involving Mr. Bidhuri is not an isolated one. He was previously criticized for making Islamophobic slurs against then-BSP MP Kunwar Danish Ali during a parliamentary session in 2023. The lack of significant disciplinary action taken against him following that incident further fueled the opposition's accusations of tacit endorsement of such behavior within the BJP. This repeated pattern of allegedly offensive comments, coupled with a perceived lack of accountability, has created significant concerns about the broader culture within the party and its approach to addressing such issues. The fact that a prominent leader can make such remarks without facing severe consequences suggests deeper systemic issues within the party or, at the very least, a lack of commitment to upholding higher standards of conduct among its members. The ongoing controversy highlights a broader conversation regarding sexism in Indian politics and the need for stronger mechanisms to address such behaviors effectively. The Congress party, according to reports, is planning on filing a formal police complaint against Mr. Bidhuri.
This entire episode underscores the critical need for a comprehensive shift in how political figures conduct themselves and are held accountable for their actions. The seemingly casual use of sexist and offensive language in political discourse is unacceptable and needs to be addressed through stronger mechanisms for accountability and through fostering a culture of respect and decorum. The repeated instances of such behavior from within the BJP, and the perceived lack of significant disciplinary response, raise serious concerns about the party's commitment to addressing these issues. The ongoing debate and potential legal actions highlight the significant implications of such behavior, both for individual politicians and for the political landscape of India. The future response by the BJP, and the legal ramifications that may follow, will further shape the ongoing dialogue surrounding sexism in politics.
Source: BJP Leader Ramesh Bidhuri's Sexist Remark On Priyanka Gandhi Sparks Row