BJP's Ramesh Bidhuri regrets after backlash over sexist jibe on Priyanka Gandhi: ‘I take my words back’

Ramesh Bidhuri, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Delhi's Kalkaji assembly constituency expressed regret on Sunday over snide remark on Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi. Ramesh Bidhuri said, “I express regret over it and I take my words back,” reported ANI.

Find out what sparked controversy

The BJP candidate sparked controversy over his comments that he would develop roads in his constituency as smooth as Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi's “cheeks” after the BJP wins in the upcoming Delhi assembly polls.

Ramesh Bidhuri can be heard saying, "I assure you that just as we made the roads in Okhla and Sangam Vihar, we will make all the roads in Kalkaji like Priyanka Gandhi's cheeks," in the purported video clip that went viral on social media.

After the matter got steam, Ramesh Bidhuri in defence said, “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.”

The BJP candidate from Kalkaji initially defended his comment before finally expressing regret and the deciding to retract his statement. Clarified his comments, Ramesh Bidhuri had said similar sexist remarks were made by Lalu Yadav on Hema Malini but Congress party decided to remain silent during that time. Urging that women should be respected, he said Congress should have made him apologise, “Nehru family has spoiled the country in 70 years. The country has rejected them.”

Reacting over the controversial statements Supriya Shrinate charged at the BJP candidate. Calling the remark as "shameful," she accused the BJP of fostering an anti-women mindset.

In a post on X, Supriya Shrinate questioned the BJP's response to the incident and suggested that his remarks shows his "disgusting" mentality towards women. Referring to the BJP candidate's use of foul language against a fellow MP previously, for which he did not face any punishment, she said, 'This is the real face of the BJP."