The political atmosphere in Uttarakhand has been ignited by a deeply controversial statement made by the husband of a state minister, who claimed that brides can be easily found in Bihar for a mere sum of twenty to twenty-five thousand rupees. The remark has triggered widespread condemnation and demands for resignation from the opposition.
The Controversial Statement and Immediate Backlash
Harish Chandra Durgapal, who is married to Uttarakhand's Minister of State for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Horticulture, Savita Kapoor, made the inflammatory comment. The incident occurred during a public event in the Bazpur area of Udham Singh Nagar district. Durgapal was reportedly addressing local concerns when he stated, "If you go to Bihar, girls are available for Rs 20,000-25,000."
This comment was swiftly interpreted as derogatory towards women from Bihar and demeaning to the institution of marriage. A video clip of his speech circulated rapidly on social media platforms, amplifying the outrage. The opposition Congress party seized upon the incident, launching a fierce attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.
Political Repercussions and Demand for Action
The controversy quickly reached the corridors of power in Dehradun. Leader of Opposition in the Uttarakhand Assembly, Yashpal Arya of the Congress, submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The memorandum demanded the immediate dismissal of Minister Savita Kapoor from the state cabinet, holding her responsible for the statements made by her husband.
Arya condemned the remark, stating it reflected a "disgusting and patriarchal mindset." He argued that such a comment from a person closely associated with a sitting minister was unacceptable and demanded strict action. The Congress party has threatened to escalate the matter further if no action is taken, potentially disrupting the upcoming budget session of the assembly.
Government Response and Damage Control
Facing intense pressure, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami acknowledged the issue and assured the public and the opposition that the matter was being taken seriously. CM Dhami stated that he had taken cognizance of the controversial statement and that appropriate action would be taken after a thorough investigation. This response was an attempt to control the political damage and demonstrate that the government does not endorse such views.
As of now, Minister Savita Kapoor has not made an official public statement regarding her husband's comments. The silence from the minister's side has further fueled criticism from the opposition, who are insisting on accountability. The incident has put the BJP government in a delicate position, forcing it to balance political alliances with the need to address a statement widely perceived as offensive and regressive.
The row underscores the sensitivity surrounding gender issues and regional dignity in Indian politics. It highlights how off-the-cuff remarks by political affiliates can snowball into major controversies, demanding high-level intervention and potentially impacting political stability. The state government's next steps regarding investigation and action will be closely watched.
