Ramesh Bidhuri Expresses Regret Over Priyanka Gandhi Comments
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for Kalkaji, Ramesh Bidhuri, expressed regret on Sunday over a controversial remark directed at Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi. His comments sparked outrage among Congress leaders and prompted sharp criticism from opposition parties.
Bidhuri, speaking to ANI, clarified that his statement was made in the context of earlier remarks by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav. He noted that the Congress had remained silent when similar comments were made during Lalu’s tenure as a minister. “Such statements have been made before. I have said that in the context of what Lalu Yadav had said. Congress remained silent on that even when he was a minister in their government. If anyone is hurt by my remark, I express regret over it and take my words back,” said Bidhuri.
The controversy arose after Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) where Bidhuri was heard stating that the BJP would make the roads of Kalkaji “as smooth as Priyanka Gandhi’s cheeks” if voted to power.
The remarks drew swift condemnation from Congress leaders. Supriya Shrinate, Congress spokesperson, criticised Bidhuri’s statement as “shameful” and accused the BJP of fostering an anti-women mindset. She wrote on X, “This is not just a reflection of Ramesh Bidhuri’s disgusting mentality but also shows how BJP tolerates such behaviour. What punishment did he face when he abused a fellow MP in Parliament?”
Congress leader Pawan Khera further asserted that Bidhuri’s remarks reflect the values of the BJP and its ideological mentor, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He described the statement as indicative of a broader disrespect for women within the party.
Responding to the backlash, Bidhuri attempted to deflect criticism, asking why Congress did not apologise for Lalu Yadav’s earlier controversial remarks about actor Hema Malini. “If Congress feels pained by my statement, why didn’t they apologise to Hema Malini? Isn’t she a celebrated artist who has brought glory to India? She far surpasses Priyanka Gandhi in achievements,” he argued.
