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BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri’s sexist remarks on Priyanka Gandhi drew sharp reactions from Congress which said it would file an FIR against him.
Ramesh Bidhuri and Priyanka Gandhi (PTI Image)
A massive political row erupted on Sunday after BJP candidate from the Kalkaji assembly seat in Delhi Ramesh Bidhuri said that if the party comes to power in the polls, it will build “roads like Priyanka Gandhi’s cheeks” in the constituency.
Congress slammed the remark and said that the party would file an FIR against the BJP leader.
As the row flared up, the BJP leader expressed regret over his remarks and said that he took his words back.
Delhi BJP chief Virendraa Sachdeva, however, said that he had not heard his statement, and advised leaders to avoid making “any such comments on women.”
What Did Ramesh Bidhuri Say?
Bidhuri made a reference to Lalu Yadav’s remark on Hema Malini and roads in Bihar and said that the RJD could not make roads in the state “like Hema Malini’s cheeks”, but the BJP would definitely build “roads in Kalkaji like Priyanka Gandhi’s cheeks”.
“We will build all roads in Kalkaji like the cheeks of Priyanka Gandhi. Lalu had said that he would build roads in Bihar like the cheeks of Hema Malini, he had lied. He could not. But I assure you that we will make all roads in Kalkaji like the cheeks of Priyanka Gandhi,” he said.
Bidhuri Expresses Regret Over Remark
Bidhuri, who earlier defended his remarks stating Lalu Yadav should first apologise for his remarks on Hema Malini, expressed regret and said he took his words back.
“I have said that in the context of what Lalu Yadav had said. Congress remained silent on that even when he (Lalu Yadav) was a minister in their govt… If anyone is hurt by my remark, I express regret over it and I take my words back…” Bidhuri said.
Earlier in the day, he had defended his statement, stating that remarks came in reference to what was said earlier.
“What Lalu Yadav – who was a minister in their (Congress) govt had said – he should apologise first for what he said about Hema Malini… What I said, I compared it with what had been said earlier. Pawan Khera should apologise first for what he said about the father of the PM. We will reply to them in the language that they will use. Is Hema Malini, not a woman?” he said earlier.
#WATCH | Delhi | On his purported statement concerning Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, in a viral video, BJP’s candidate from Kalkaji assembly constituency Ramesh Bidhuri says, “…What Lalu Yadav – who was a minister in their (Congress) govt had said – he should apologise first for what… pic.twitter.com/slLIn85smM— ANI (@ANI) January 5, 2025
He said that if Congress “rectifies its mistake”, the BJP will do it too.
“When two people make mistakes, both need to rectify. If Congress rectifies their mistake, we will do the same. It’s hypocrisy, they have done nothing but corruption – so they need some issue to seek votes. Hence they are making allegations against me,” Bidhuri said.
Congress To File FIR Against Ramesh Bidhuri
Congress candidate from the Kalkaji constituency Alka Lamba lashed out at Bidhuri over the sexist remarks and sought his apology. She said Congress will stage protests and lodge an FIR against him.
“Everyone is thinking what kind of a remark it is… Everyone has sisters, daughters, and mothers at home. Everyone is thinking that BJP had made a mistake by nominating him but should they make a mistake by voting for him?” she said.
Congress leader Supriya Shrinate dubbed the BJP “anti-women” and asked if the party’s top leadership would speak up against Bidhuri’s remarks.
“BJP is against women. BJP’s former MP and now party’s candidate from Kalkaji, Ramesh Bidhuri’s remarks against Priyanka Gandhi are shameful. This is the real face of the BJP. Will the women party workers of BJP, party president JP Nadda, and PM Modi say anything?” she asked.
AAP Slams Bidhuri And Sandeep Dikshit
Chief Minister Atishi slammed the BJP and said that the remarks depict the party’s mentality. She further questioned if the BJP would be able to provide safety to the people of the city.
“BJP is anti-women, it is an open secret and it is a matter of concern that this same BJP is in charge of Delhi’s law and order. Ramesh Bidhuri’s statement shows the mentality of the BJP. Women of Delhi will give a befitting reply to Ramesh Bidhuri’s statement and BJP in the upcoming election,” she said.
AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj took on Bidhuri and Sandeep Dikshit, who is up against Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi seat, and said that Dikshit shares a “deep relationship” with the BJP.
“Compelled by his habit, Ramesh Bidhuri said such vile things about Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Ji, but Sandeep Dikshit didn’t dare to utter a single word against Ramesh Bidhuri. The depth of the relationship between Sandeep Dikshit and the BJP can be understood just from this,” he said.
Bidhuri’s Controversial Remark In Lok Sabha
Bidhuri had also made a controversial remark against Opposition MP Danish Ali in the previous Lok Sabha, which drew criticism from the INDIA bloc. He had described the MP as “militant and terrorist” on the floor of the House.
Following a massive row, the BJP had denied him a ticket in the general elections last year. However, the party has once again laid its faith in him in the upcoming Delhi Elections and fielded him against Chief Minister Atishi.
