BJP leader apologises after ‘roads like Priyanka Gandhi’s cheeks’ remark draws flak

Ramesh Bidhuri initially remained defiant, pointing to similar remarks by RJD leader Lalu Prasad on actor and BJP MP Hema Malini, but later posted a message on 'X' expressing regret

New Delhi: BJP candidate from Kalkaji Ramesh Bidhuri on Sunday drew flak for his remarks that he would make roads which are like Congress leader “Priyanka Gandhi’s cheeks” in his constituency, with the Congress demanding an apology from him for “insulting women” and some leaders in his party also expressing their disapproval.

Bidhuri, who has courted controversies in the past too over his statements, initially remained defiant, pointing to similar remarks by RJD leader Lalu Prasad on actor and BJP MP Hema Malini.

---

However, he later posted a message on X expressing regret if his comments had hurt anyone and stated that his remarks had been misconstrued by some for political gains.

“Lalu said in Bihar that he would make roads like Hema Malini’s cheeks, but he lied, he could not do it.

“I assure you that just as we made the roads in Okhla and Sangam Vihar, we will make all the roads in Kalkaji like Priyanka Gandhi’s cheeks,” Bidhuri is heard saying in the purported video, which went viral on social media.

The Congress condemned the remarks, alleging it reflected the “anti-women” mentality of the BJP.

“Ramesh Bidhuri’s statement regarding Priyanka Gandhi is not only extremely shameful but shows their ugly anti-women thinking. But what else can be expected from a man who used foul language against his fellow MP in the House and did not receive any punishment? “Not only Bidhuri, but the BJP’s top leadership should apologise with folded hands,” Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said, adding it was not only an insult to Priyanka Gandhi but to all women.

The elections for the 70-member Delhi Assembly are due next month.

Bidhuri is not new to controversies surrounding his public statements. Last year, he invited widespread condemnation over his outburst against then-BSP MP Danish Ali in the Lok Sabha. The BJP leader had expressed regret for his objectionable remarks in a meeting of the Lok Sabha Privileges Committee after a complaint was filed against him.