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Dehradun: A video of Girdhari Lal Sahu, husband of Cabinet Minister Rekha Arya, has gone viral on social media. In the clip, he is allegedly heard telling a BJP worker that “girls are available in Bihar for 20-25 thousand rupees” and can be brought for bachelors.
The remark, made during a BJP workers’ meeting in Sheetalakhet division of Someshwar Assembly constituency, has sparked outrage. Congress leaders called it a blatant insult to women and questioned the moral responsibility of the Women’s Empowerment Minister herself.
Congress launches an attack on BJP
State Congress President Jyoti Rautela condemned the statement, calling it “shameful” and demanded a public apology from Rekha Arya and her husband. The party accused the BJP of failing to uphold women’s dignity and used the controversy to attack the ruling party.
History of controversies
This is not the first time Girdhari Lal Sahu has been in the spotlight. His name has surfaced in several controversies, including a double murder case and allegations of illegally removing his servant’s kidney for transplant into his second wife.
According to servant Naresh Chandra Gangwar, in 2015 he was taken to Sri Lanka under false pretences, where his kidney was removed and transplanted at a Colombo hospital. He later filed a complaint with the Senior Superintendent of Police in Nainital, alleging pressure from Sahu to remain silent.
Clarification by Sahu
Following widespread condemnation, Sahu issued a clarification. He said the remark was made in a humorous context during a discussion about a friend’s marriage and was distorted by opponents. He added that all the sisters and daughters of the country are like goddesses to him, and claimed he helps arrange marriages for 101 poor girls every year. “If my words hurt anyone, I apologize with folded hands,” he said.
Controversy has created a fresh turmoil for BJP
The controversy has become a fresh headache for the BJP in Uttarakhand. While Sahu insists his words were misinterpreted, the viral video has already damaged the party’s image and given the opposition a strong issue to target. The matter highlights how insensitive remarks can quickly escalate into political storms.
