Dehradun: A major political controversy erupted after a video clip of Girdhari Lal Sahu, the husband of Uttarakhand Women and Child Welfare Minister Rekha Arya, went viral, in which he purportedly claimed that girls from Bihar are “available for marriage for just Rs 20,000–Rs 25,000”.
In the purported video, believed to be recorded at a public gathering in Almora district, Uttarakhand, Sahu is heard addressing attendees and asking why some had not married yet. According to the clip, he said:
“If you are unable to get married, we will bring a girl from Bihar for you… you can get one there for Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000.” However, OdishaBytes couldn’t independently verify the authenticity of the video.
Husband of the minister Rekha Arya in BJP government in Uttarakhand, Girdhari Lal, said:
“Women for marriage are available in ₹20-25k in Bihar. Come with me, I will get you one.”
This is the mentality of the BJP. After winning Bihar by bribing women voters, the BJP is now… pic.twitter.com/hgqImwPaua
— Saral Patel (@SaralPatel) January 2, 2026
The remarks triggered sharp reactions across political and social circles in both Uttarakhand and Bihar, with critics calling the comment derogatory and demeaning toward women. The Bihar State Women Commission (BSWC) took suo motu notice of the matter and served a notice to Sahu, terming the remarks “highly condemnable” and demanding an unconditional apology.
Sahu later posted a clarification video, stating that his words were being twisted by opponents and that he had been speaking about a friend’s marriage, not making a general statement about women. “If my words have offended or hurt anyone, I apologise with folded hands,” he said.
The episode drew criticism from political parties including the Congress, which described the comments as an attack on the dignity of women and demanded accountability. Bihar BJP leaders also condemned the remarks, saying they insulted women not just of Bihar but across India.
In response to the backlash, Uttarakhand BJP representatives distanced the party from Sahu’s remarks, saying he was not acting in any official party capacity at the time