New Delhi, Jan 3 (NationPress) A significant political controversy emerged on Saturday when the spouse of Uttarakhand Minister Rekha Arya reportedly made a provocative comment suggesting that “Bihar girls are available for marriage for Rs 20,000 to 25,000.” This statement drew condemnation from various political leaders, including those from Congress, BJP, Samajwadi Party, and JD(U), who expressed that it has deeply offended the sentiments of the 13 to 14 crore residents of Bihar.

The uproar was triggered by a viral video on social media in which Arya’s husband, known as Sahu, appeared to address young individuals, stating, “Will you get married in your 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.”

The remarks have sparked widespread backlash for being derogatory, misogynistic, and disrespectful to women and the residents of Bihar.

In a statement to IANS, Congress MP Manoj Kumar voiced that the comment has caused significant distress and anger among the Bihari population. He remarked, “The 13 to 14 crore population of Bihar feels deeply affected by this statement. We are all concerned and disturbed. We demand to hear from the Chief Minister regarding his thoughts and intended actions. This statement reflects extreme shamelessness and is made with intent.”

He further criticized the BJP for its double standards. “They should not stoop so low. While they promote slogans like ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao,’ they simultaneously make such demeaning statements about the daughters of Bihar. The law seems weak because his wife is a minister. This reveals their true mindset and threatens our Constitution and democracy.”

Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput also condemned the statement, asserting that it reflects the BJP’s perspective on women. “This incident clearly illustrates how the Bharatiya Janata Party perceives women. They regard women as objects for exploitation and even discuss their sale and purchase. After such an embarrassing comment, both the man and his wife should be behind bars,” he stated.

Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ashutosh Verma remarked that the incident raises serious concerns about the BJP’s stance on women, especially given their power in both Uttarakhand and Bihar. “Consider that the BJP rules both states. The silence of BJP leadership across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Bihar is shocking. Women in this country have never faced such assaults on their dignity as they have under BJP leaders,” he said.

Responding to the uproar, Bihar Minister Dilip Jaiswal stated that such language is inexcusable. “A person who speaks in such a manner is neither worthy of being called someone’s son nor someone’s husband. We strongly condemn such individuals,” he said.

Union Minister of State Satish Chandra Dubey distanced the BJP from the remarks, affirming that such language does not align with party values. “Such a statement could not have originated from a BJP worker. I am confident it was influenced by someone else because no BJP worker would speak in such a manner. The daughters of Bihar and their honor stand tall globally,” he said.

Bihar Minister Ashok Chaudhary denounced the statement as “cheap, wrong, and extremely objectionable.” He added, “Making such remarks in public life is unacceptable, especially when the individual is associated with someone in a respected public office.”

BJP MP Yogendra Chandolia further questioned the mental stability of the individual who made the remark, suggesting he requires immediate medical attention. “Rekha Arya’s husband seems to have lost his mental balance and needs to be cared for at home,” he said.

JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar also condemned the statement, confirming that formal action has been initiated. “The language used by the husband of an Uttarakhand minister is unacceptable. The State Women’s Commission has reached out to the Uttarakhand government, urging them to take appropriate action,” he concluded.