Minister's husband makes controversial remark, apologises later
Credit: X
Girdhari Lal Sahu, husband of Uttarakhand minister Rekha Arya, sparked row after his controversial remark on Bihar girls, following which he released an apology video.
In December, Sahu was at an event held in Almora, where he commented on late marriage while speaking to the audience. "Will you get married in old age? If you are unable to get married, we will bring a girl for you from Bihar… you can get one there for Rs 20,000 to 25,000 (translated from Hindi)," he was heard saying in the video.
The comments sparked an outrage, especially since his wife is the women and child welfare minister.
Apology
However, shortly after the clip went viral, he apologised, saying, "If my words have offended or hurt anyone, I apologise with folded hands."
BJP condemns statement
BJP's state unit condemned the statement and pointed out that Sahu wasn't associated with the party.
Congress Mahila Morcha terms it "insult"
Jyoti Rautela, the state president of Congress Mahila Morcha, termed Sahu's remarks as an "insult and attack on the dignity of women and girls."
Bihar women panel to take action
The Bihar State Women Commission (BSWC) on Friday informed news agency PTI that it would take action in the matter and serve a notice to Sahu.
Tejashwi Yadav slams Sahu
In a post on X, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav wrote, "BJP leaders are saying that after buying women's votes for Rs 10,000, now they will bring girls from Bihar for Rs 20-25,000. The BJP supporters have always harboured such a poisonous mindset towards Bihar and women."