The political atmosphere in Delhi intensified after Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bhardwaj delivered a sharp retort to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Ramesh Bidhuri’s controversial remarks about Delhi Chief Minister Atishi. Bhardwaj’s comment, “Chunav ke jab result ayenge tab pata chalega kon kiska baap hai,” set the stage for a heated political discourse ahead of the 2025 Delhi assembly elections.
Bidhuri’s Remarks Spark Outrage
The controversy began when Bidhuri, the BJP candidate contesting against Atishi from Kalkaji, made objectionable statements targeting her surname and family. He alleged, “Atishi, who was Marlena, is now Singh. She has even changed her father.”
AAP leaders, including party supremo Arvind Kejriwal, condemned the remarks. Kejriwal, taking to social media platform X, said, “BJP leaders have crossed all limits of shamelessness. The people of Delhi will not tolerate the insult of a woman Chief Minister.”
Bidhuri’s Statement on Priyanka Gandhi Adds Fuel to the Fire
Further criticism was directed at Bidhuri for another comment made at a public rally, where he said BJP would make Kalkaji’s roads as smooth as “the cheeks of Priyanka Gandhi.”
The statement drew strong reactions from Congress leader Supriya Shrinate, who called it “shameful” and indicative of an anti-women mindset within the BJP. Shrinate emphasized that the remark reflected a “disgusting” mentality toward women.
AAP’s Response and BJP’s Regret
AAP MP Sanjay Singh demanded a public apology from Bidhuri, stating, “Delhi is a civilized society, and the public will answer such politicians.” Saurabh Bhardwaj echoed similar sentiments, expressing surprise at Congress’s muted response to the derogatory remarks about Priyanka Gandhi.
In response to the backlash, Bidhuri clarified that his comments were made in a specific context, referencing a past statement by RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav about making roads as smooth as the cheeks of actor Hema Malini. “If anyone is hurt by my remark, I express regret over it and take my words back,” Bidhuri stated.
Political Implications
The BJP’s remarks have intensified political tensions in Delhi, with the AAP highlighting the comments as evidence of BJP’s “misogynistic” attitudes. Meanwhile, Congress, which has struggled to regain its footing in Delhi politics, has also criticized Bidhuri’s comments, seeking to position itself as a defender of women’s dignity.
As the 2025 Delhi assembly elections approach, the controversy underscores the sharp divide between political parties in the capital. With AAP’s significant electoral track record and BJP’s aspirations for a breakthrough, the political battle is expected to intensify further.