Roads Like Priyanka Gandhi’s Cheeks: BJP Leader Regrets Sexist Jibe Amid Massive Backlash

New Delhi: A massive political row erupted on Sunday over BJP candidate Kalkaji assembly seat in Delhi Ramesh Bidhuri’s sexiest “roads like Priyanka Gandhi’s cheeks” remark.

At a meeting in Kalkaji, where he is pitted against Chief Minister Atishi, Bidhuri said: “Lalu had said in Bihar that he will make roads like Hema Malini’s cheeks. He did not do that. He lied. But I promise you, just like we built roads of Okhla and Sangam Vihar, we will make all roads of Kalkaji as smooth as Priyanka Gandhi’s cheek.”

The former South Delhi MP initially defended his remarks amid backlash from Congress and AAP, who called BJP ‘anti-women’, demanding an apology from the RJD chief first. However, he regretted later and 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.” he said.

REACTIONS

Reacting to his statement, Congress candidate from Kalkaji and Mahila Congress president Alka Lamba posted on X: “Will the public in Kalkaji have such (a person) who cares neither for the dignity of the House (Parliament) nor respects the women,” she said in a post on X.

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate termed the remark as “shameful,” and accused the BJP of fostering an anti-women mindset. “Ramesh Bidhuri’s statement regarding Priyanka Gandhi is not only shameful but also shows his disgusting mentality towards women. 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? This is the real face of the BJP.”

Shrinate also asked the BJP leadership to seek Priyanka Gandhi’s forgiveness with folded hands.

Congress’s INDIA bloc ally Aam Aadmi Party also condemned Bidhuri’s comments. AAP MP Sanjay Singh called the remarks “cheap and shameless”.

Taking to reporters, Atishi said, “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. If a BJP leader who was an MP and is the party’s candidate for Delhi Election 2025, can make such a statement then how will BJP provide safety to the people of Delhi?…women of Delhi will give a befitting reply to Ramesh Bidhuri’s statement and BJP in the upcoming election.”