BJP Leader Ramesh Bidhuri Criticises Delhi CM Atishi, AAP Accuses BJP of Anti-Women Remarks

On Wednesday, BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri criticised Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, his opponent from the Kalkaji seat. He accused her of neglecting the constituency for years and now acting like a "hirni" or doe in the streets as elections approach. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) responded, condemning the BJP for making derogatory remarks about women.

Before submitting his nomination papers for the Kalkaji Assembly seat, Bidhuri addressed a gathering. He criticised the AAP government for not addressing issues like water scarcity and poor road conditions in the area. "People have been living in hell for four years," he stated, accusing Atishi of only becoming active in the months leading up to the elections.

BJP's Controversial Remarks

Bidhuri, known for his controversial statements, recently faced backlash for comments about Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. He later expressed regret over those remarks. During a BJP rally in Rohini earlier this month, he accused Atishi of changing her surname from Marlena to Singh and made further personal attacks.

The AAP retaliated by stating that the BJP would face repercussions for disrespecting women. Atishi was visibly upset during a press conference addressing Bidhuri's offensive remarks. The AAP highlighted that such language reflects poorly on BJP leaders and questioned how Bidhuri would treat ordinary women if he were to become Delhi's Chief Minister.

AAP's Response to Bidhuri's Claims

Bidhuri claimed there was widespread discontent in Delhi due to a lack of new water treatment plants during AAP's decade-long rule. He also criticised the poor condition of roads in Govindpuri. He mocked Atishi, saying she was clinging to women she met on the streets as if they were long-lost sisters from Kumbh Mela.

The AAP argued that if Bidhuri could use such offensive language against a woman chief minister, it raised concerns about his potential behaviour towards ordinary women if he gained more power. They accused BJP leaders of consistently using insulting language, whether in Parliament or against political opponents' families.

Bidhuri's Political Background

Bidhuri has served as an MP from South Delhi twice and has been elected MLA thrice from Tughlakabad. Earlier this month, he stirred controversy with a sexist remark about constructing roads in Kalkaji resembling Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's cheeks. His party rebuked him, urging him to focus on campaigning rather than making personal attacks on female leaders.

The ongoing verbal exchanges highlight tensions between BJP and AAP as they prepare for upcoming elections. Both parties continue to engage in heated rhetoric, reflecting deep political divisions in Delhi's electoral landscape.