Bidhuri regrets Priyanka ‘cheek’ remark after row

BJP candidate from Kalkaji Ramesh Bidhuri on Sunday triggered a controversy with remarks against Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi. Bidhuri later expressed regret over his comments against Priyanka after drawing flak.

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Addressing an event here, Bidhuri said, “Lalu Yadav once famously said he would make the roads of Bihar as smooth as Hema Malini’s cheeks. He failed to deliver on that promise. I assure you, however, that as we have transformed the roads in Okhla and Sangam Vihar, we will ensure that every road in Kalkaji is made as smooth as Priyanka Gandhi’s cheeks.”

The BJP leader’s remarks drew a strong reaction from the Congress and AAP.

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate called Bidhuri’s comments “shameful” and reflective of a “disgusting mentality” towards women.

“The BJP is extremely anti-women. Bidhuri’s statement regarding Priyanka is not only shameful but also shows his disgusting mentality. What else can be expected from a man who abused his fellow MP in Parliament without facing any punishment?” she posted on X.

Courting another controversy, Bidhuri also made personal remarks against Atishi at a rally, saying “Atishi, who was Marlena, is now Singh. She has even changed her father.” AAP accused him and the BJP of misogyny. Arvind Kejriwal called the remarks an example of the BJP’s “shamelessness.” Later, Bidhuri expressed regret over his remarks against Priyanka. “My intention was not to insult anyone. If anyone has been hurt, I express my regret,” he said. Earlier in 2023, Bidhuri had stoked a controversy by passing communal remarks against then BSP MP Danish Ali in the Lok Sabha.