Remark by Uttarakhand Minister’s husband on Bihar women lands him in trouble

A controversy has erupted over a recent statement made by the husband of an Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister over women in Bihar “being sold off for a sum in marriage” with both the Congress and the Bihar unit of BJP condemning the remarks.

Speaking at a public event in Uttarakhand’s Almora earlier this week, Girdhari Lal Sahu, husband of State Women and Child Development Minister Rekha Arya, said that “girls are sold for ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 in Bihar”. While the Minister and Uttarakhand BJP are silent on the issue, the party’s Bihar unit has demanded an apology from Mr. Sahu for disrespecting women of their State.

A video of Mr. Sahu making the comments at the event has gone viral on social media. In the conversation, he was trying to persuade some young BJP members, present in the audience, to get married at the “right time”.

“You are young now, when are you getting married? In old age? If you’re unable to get married….we will bring a girl for you from Bihar. There, you get girls for ₹20,000-₹25,000 ,” said Mr. Sahu.

‘Views misrepresented’

Sparking public furore, Mr. Sahu released another video explaining his point of view. He alleged that his words were misrepresented and blamed the Opposition for distorting his statement. “I was just talking about marriage of some of my friends… Congress leaders have twisted that discussion and presented it in the media in a completely distorted way. I deeply respect women and can never talk bad for them,” Mr. Sahu said.

The Opposition parties and even BJP in Bihar refused to accept the explanation given by the Minister’s husband, who also happens to be a BJP member.

Apsara, Chairperson of Bihar State Women Commission, condemned his statement and said it reflects his intellectual bankruptcy. “When the women of Bihar are reaching new heights… You are making such statements about them, which is reprehensible… The Women’s Commission is taking suo motu cognisance and sending him a letter,” she said seeking an apology from the BJP leader for the statement.

Bihar BJP spokesperson Prabhakar Mishra also criticised Mr. Sahu and said that women is not a commodity for bargaining. “This statement is not only an insult to Bihar but to every woman, and action will be ensured against such individuals,” he added.

BJP ally JD(U)’s MP Rampreet Mandal termed Mr. Sahu’s statement as “extremely objectionable”. He demanded his written apology on the same.

“Either Girdharilal ji has not received proper values from his family, or he is not educated. I would appeal to him, as well as to our Prime Minister and Chief Minister, to take note of this matter. If Girdharilal has made such a statement, he should withdraw it immediately,” he added.

Bihar Congress President Rajesh Ram also criticised the statement and said that its the nature of the BJP to disrespect the people of Bihar. “Look at the kind of language that is being used for the women of Bihar. Bihar will not tolerate this… He should apologise to the people of Bihar,” he said.