Delhi Dangal 2025: ECI Issues Strong Warning to Politicians on Moral Conduct After Ramesh Bidhuri and Atishi Conflict

New Delhi, Jan 7 (NationPress) In its most forceful warning to date, the Election Commission of India (ECI) informed political parties in Delhi that it will not hesitate to initiate legal proceedings if they engage in derogatory remarks against women during their election campaigns.

The ECI's serious warning follows the inappropriate comments made by BJP candidate for the Kalkaji seat, Ramesh Bidhuri, which included remarks such as "smooth roads like Priyanka Gandhi's cheeks" and "Atishi has changed her father" aimed at Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi.

While announcing the schedule for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar stated, "In a democracy, there is no room for derogatory remarks, particularly against women."

As the Model Code of Conduct went into effect on Tuesday, the CEC remarked, "Currently, we are instructing our District Election Officers to exercise restraint. However, we will not hesitate to take action if any demeaning or derogatory comments regarding women are made."

Expressing frustration over the declining standards of political campaigns or using minors to solicit votes, the CEC stated, "If necessary, we will begin filing cases."

The CEC emphasized the commission's dedication to ensuring a fair electoral process and preventing misconduct, asserting, "On one hand, we are encouraging greater female participation at polling booths, while on the other hand, such issues are disheartening voters."

The CEC's caution against making derogatory comments about women came shortly after a distraught Delhi CM Atishi expressed her outrage towards Bidhuri for engaging in "dirty politics" and attacking her 80-year-old father, who is an educationist.

"He is campaigning by insulting my father rather than highlighting his performance in the constituency," Atishi criticized, noting that the attacks on her father were deeply unsettling.

Previously, during a campaign rally in Delhi, Bidhuri remarked, "Atishi has changed her father. She was once Marlena, but now she is Singh. Her parents had petitioned for clemency for Afzal Guru, the individual responsible for the deaths of young individuals."

Bidhuri had previously attracted controversy by promising his constituents that he would create "smooth roads like Priyanka Gandhi's cheeks." He later retracted his statement, claiming his 'intention' was not to offend anyone.

Bidhuri's comments provoked backlash from the Congress party. In response, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate labeled the BJP as an "anti-women party" and described his remarks as "shameful" and indicative of an "ugly mindset."