A major political controversy has erupted following alleged derogatory comments about women from Bihar, attributed to Girdhari Lal Sahu, the husband of Uttarakhand cabinet minister Rekha Arya. The remarks, suggesting marriages could be arranged with "Bihar girls" for a low cost of Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000, have triggered widespread condemnation and protests.
Political Outcry and Demands for Severe Punishment
The issue intensified on Saturday with strong reactions from Bihar's political leaders. Independent Member of Parliament from Purnia, Pappu Yadav, demanded harsh punishment for what he called "derogatory remarks" against Bihar's women. He alleged that religious figures and politicians often break laws without consequence.
"The people must chop off the tongues of persons making derogatory remarks against women," Yadav told the media. He further stated that such individuals should either face speedy trials leading to their elimination or have their tongues chopped off. He accused some leaders of making such statements for narrow political gains while ignoring critical public issues like poverty.
Adding to the fury, I P Gupta, a newly elected legislator from Saharsa, announced a substantial reward. Gupta, who is the first-time MLA from Saharsa and heads the Indian Inclusive Party—an ally of the INDIA bloc—declared he would give Rs 10 lakh to anyone who catches and brings the person responsible for the remarks to Bihar.
Street Protests and Effigy Burning in Patna
Meanwhile, activists from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) women's wing took to the streets in Patna to register their anger. The workers marched from the party office to the IT roundabout, protesting what they labeled a deep insult to the women of the state.
During the demonstration, protesters burned an effigy of the person at the centre of the controversy. RJD spokesperson Sarika Paswan told the media that the protest served as a warning that such comments would not be tolerated. She accused BJP leaders of insulting women and questioned the silence of the party's top leadership, including newly appointed national working president Nitin Nabin. She demanded the BJP instantly expel leaders making such statements.
Origin of the Controversy and Viral Video
The firestorm began after a video clip circulated widely on social media platforms. In the video, Girdhari Lal Sahu is allegedly seen interacting with a group of young men. He is heard inquiring about their marital status and purportedly suggesting that marriages could be arranged with "Bihar girls at low cost," specifying the amount between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000.
The incident has sparked a fierce debate on dignity, regional respect, and the accountability of public figures and their associates. The demands for action from leaders like Pappu Yadav and I P Gupta, coupled with the visible public protest in Bihar's capital, underscore the escalating tension and the demand for a formal response from the involved political quarters.
