A political firestorm has erupted following controversial remarks allegedly made by Girdhari Lal Sahu, the husband of Uttarakhand Women and Child Welfare Minister Rekha Arya, suggesting that girls from Bihar could be “brought for marriage” at a cost of ₹20,000 to ₹25,000. The statements, reportedly made at a public event in Almora, have triggered widespread criticism, with multiple political parties, women’s rights groups, and state authorities expressing outrage over the comments. While Sahu has issued an apology for his remarks, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has moved quickly to distance itself from him, stating that he has no formal association with the party.

The controversy emerged after a video circulated widely on social media platforms showing Sahu speaking to a gathering of young men. In the video, Sahu is allegedly heard saying, “Will you get married in old age? If you are unable to get married, we will bring a girl for you from Bihar… you can get one there for ₹20,000 to 25,000.” He further encouraged the audience by stating, “Come with me, we’ll get you married.” The video quickly attracted public attention, leading to sharp criticism from various quarters and prompting discussions about the implications of such remarks on the dignity of women and the perception of gender equality in India.

Following the backlash, Girdhari Lal Sahu issued a public statement in which he claimed that his words were being misrepresented. He clarified that his reference was only to the marriage of a friend and was not intended to target any particular community or state. “If my words have offended or hurt anyone, I apologise with folded hands,” Sahu stated. Despite his clarification, the remarks have been widely condemned and continue to provoke political and social debates.

The controversy has drawn immediate attention from political leaders in Bihar. Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly and a prominent leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), strongly criticized Sahu’s remarks. Speaking to the media, Yadav said, “BJP leaders are saying that after buying women’s votes for ₹10,000, now they will bring girls from Bihar for ₹20–25,000. The BJP supporters have always harbored such a poisonous mindset towards Bihar and women.” Yadav’s reference to the ₹10,000 figure pertains to allegations surrounding a scheme by the Nitish Kumar-led JDU-BJP government in Bihar, which opponents claimed involved political incentives targeted at women voters during recent assembly polls. The remarks, he argued, reveal a continued disregard for the dignity of women from Bihar and other states, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and social biases.

The Uttarakhand BJP unit, seeking to mitigate the political fallout, issued a statement condemning the remarks and emphasized that Girdhari Lal Sahu has no official connection with the party. Manveer Singh Chauhan, the state media in-charge of the BJP, stated that the party strongly opposes any form of “hateful thinking and statements against women.” When asked whether the party would seek a clarification from Minister Rekha Arya regarding her husband’s remarks, Chauhan reiterated that Sahu is not affiliated with the BJP in any capacity.

The Congress party has strongly condemned Sahu’s comments, calling them an “insult” to women across India and demanding an apology from the BJP. State Congress president Ganesh Godiyal remarked, “This statement by Minister Arya’s husband is an insult to the daughters of India, whether she is from Bihar, Kerala, or Uttarakhand. It reflects a deeply problematic mindset towards women and reinforces patriarchal attitudes that have no place in modern society.” Jyoti Rautela, the president of the Congress Mahila Morcha in Uttarakhand, described the remarks as “shameful,” noting that the statements were particularly egregious given that Sahu’s wife holds the portfolio for women and child welfare. Rautela emphasized that such thinking promotes social evils such as human trafficking, child marriage, and the exploitation of women, calling for strong action against the remarks.

Women’s rights bodies and state authorities have also responded. The Bihar State Women Commission (BSWC) announced that it would issue a notice to Sahu in response to his statements. BSWC chairperson Apsara called the comments “highly condemnable” and stated, “This shows his mental bankruptcy. How can he make such a statement about women when his wife is already a minister responsible for the welfare of women in the Uttarakhand government?” The commission emphasized that the remarks undermine the dignity and safety of women and girls and reinforced the need for accountability for statements that normalize or trivialize exploitation.

The controversy highlights broader societal and political challenges concerning gender respect and inter-state sensitivities. The idea of commodifying women, even in jest, has drawn widespread condemnation from citizens and advocacy groups alike, reflecting growing intolerance for remarks that perpetuate misogyny. Social media platforms have become a forum for both criticism and debate, with citizens across India expressing concern over the casual manner in which women’s rights and dignity were undermined.

While Sahu’s apology attempted to clarify his remarks as being misunderstood or taken out of context, the broader public response underscores the enduring sensitivity surrounding issues of gender equality and women’s safety. Experts note that statements by individuals with political connections, even if personal in nature, are often viewed through a political lens, particularly when they touch upon issues of exploitation, human trafficking, or inter-state prejudice. The incident also raises questions about the responsibility of public figures and their family members in upholding ethical standards and the image of their offices.

The political implications for the BJP are notable, given that the party has faced criticism from opposition leaders and civil society organizations. Although the state unit has sought to distance itself from Sahu, the association of his remarks with the family of a sitting minister has fueled accusations that the party harbors a casual attitude toward women’s rights. Opposition leaders have used the incident to highlight what they describe as systemic biases in political culture and the need for stronger accountability for remarks that demean women.

Beyond the political ramifications, the controversy has also ignited discussions on the ethical responsibilities of public figures in India. Civil society activists have called for more robust education and awareness campaigns on gender sensitivity, emphasizing that such incidents can reinforce harmful stereotypes if not addressed decisively. The debate surrounding Sahu’s comments underscores the continuing struggle to address deep-seated social prejudices, the need to combat human trafficking, and the importance of fostering a culture of respect and equality for women across the country.

As the controversy continues to unfold, several questions remain: whether the Bihar State Women Commission will take further legal action, whether Minister Rekha Arya will publicly respond to her husband’s remarks, and how political parties in both Uttarakhand and Bihar navigate the resulting tensions. The incident also illustrates the delicate balance political leaders must maintain between personal expressions and public responsibilities, particularly in a climate where social media amplifies every statement.

In conclusion, the remarks by Girdhari Lal Sahu have triggered a multi-layered response involving political condemnation, civil society outrage, and administrative scrutiny. While Sahu has apologized, the incident has sparked broader conversations about gender, dignity, and the ethical obligations of public figures and their families. The BJP’s effort to distance itself from Sahu’s statements reflects an awareness of the political sensitivity surrounding the issue, but opposition parties and rights groups continue to press for accountability. The episode underscores the persistent challenges India faces in ensuring respect for women and combating societal attitudes that trivialize exploitation and human trafficking.

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