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New Delhi: A wave of controversy has erupted after Uttarakhand child welfare minister 's husband made contentious remarks about buying girls from Bihar for marriage. Giriraj Lal Sahu at an event in Almora said that those unable to marry, could purchase a bride from Bihar for Rs 20,000 or 25,000.
A video that has since gone iral on social media captures Sahu addressing young men at the event, saying, “Will you get married in old age? If you are unable to get married, we will bring a girl for you from Bihar… you can get one there for ₹20,000 to 25,000.” Speaking at the event in Almora, he was also heard telling the audience, “Come with me, we’ll get you married.”
Even as Rekha Arya's husband tried to defend his claims, saying he was referring to a friend's marriage, the event invited criticism from many. Following the incident, the BJP claimed that Lal has no connection with the party.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav attacked BJP said that the party always harboured a "poisonous mindset towards Bihar and women. The Bihar LOP alleged that the Modi-led government, had earlier "bought women votes for Rs 10,000"and now they are publicly talking about Buying Bihar women. The vote-buyingg allrgstion refers to a scheme by Nitish Kumar's JDU-BJP government in Bihar ahead of the recent assembly polls.
The Congress termed the remarks an "insult to women and demanded an official apology from the BJP. State Congress president Ganesh Godiyal said the statement is "an insult to the dqaughters of India, irrespective of where they belong." The matter has exposed BJP mindset towards women.
Congress Mahila Morcha state president Jyoti Rautela also lambasted the BJP,saying that this kind of comment promotes social evils such as human trafficking , child marriage and exploitation against women.
"The matter becomes more critical as Sahu's wife holds the women and child welfare portfolio", Rautela added.
BJP state media in-charge Manveer Singh Chauhan said that the party strongly condemns such “hateful thinking and statements against women.”
When asked whether the BJP would seek a clarification from Rekha Arya's husband, the party reiterated that Sahu has no connection with the party.
Additionally , the Bihar State Women Commission claimed it would issue a notice to Sahu over the comments. BSWC chairperson Apsara said, “His comments are highly condemnable. This shows his mental bankruptcy. How can he make such a statement about women when his wife is already a minister in the Uttarakhand government?”.
