A major controversy has erupted after a video allegedly showing Girdhari Lal Sahu, husband of Uttarakhand Women and Child Development Minister Rekha Arya, making derogatory remarks about women from Bihar went viral on social media. In the clip, Sahu is purportedly heard suggesting that girls from Bihar could be “brought for marriage” for a sum ranging between ₹20,000 and ₹25,000, triggering sharp criticism across political lines.

A video of his comment is going viral on social media, where he can be heard saying, “Will you get married in old age? If you’re unable to get married… we’ll bring a girl for you from Bihar– you can get one there for Rs 20000-25,000.”

Statement Made at Public Event

The video is said to be from a public event held in Uttarakhand’s Almora district, where Sahu was addressing a group of young people and discussing marriage. While speaking informally, he allegedly made remarks that were widely perceived as demeaning and objectifying women, particularly those from Bihar. The comments quickly drew condemnation, with many calling them offensive and reflective of regressive attitudes.

Women’s Commission Takes Suo Motu Cognisance

Reacting strongly, the Bihar State Women Commission (BSWC) took suo motu cognisance of the matter and announced that it would issue a notice to Sahu seeking an explanation. BSWC chairperson Apsara described the remarks as “highly condemnable” and said they reflected “intellectual bankruptcy.” She stressed that such statements undermine the dignity of women and are unacceptable, especially when women from Bihar are excelling in various fields.

The Bihar National Commission for Women has written to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami seeking a response over the remark. It also asserted that it will serve a notice to Sahu for the remarks. “His comments are highly condemnable. This shows his mental bankruptcy. How can he make such a statement about women when his wife is already a minister in the Uttarakhand government?” BSWC chairperson Apsara told reporters.

Opposition and BJP Leaders Condemn Remarks

The controversy provided fresh ammunition to opposition parties. Congress leaders, including Uttarakhand Mahila Congress president Jyoti Rautela, termed the remarks shameful and said they promote social evils such as human trafficking, child marriage, and exploitation. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also criticised the statement, calling it indicative of a “toxic mindset” towards women.

Speaking to ANI, Apsara, chairperson of Bihar Mahila Aayog, said, “This statement reflects his intellectual bankruptcy. When the women of Bihar are reaching new heights. You are making such statements about the women of Bihar, which is reprehensible.”

Notably, leaders from the BJP’s Bihar unit also distanced themselves from Sahu’s comments. Bihar BJP spokesperson Prabhakar Mishra said women cannot be treated as commodities and demanded accountability, stating that the remarks insult women not just in Bihar but across the country.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also took to X and launched an attack at BJP over Sahu’s remarks. Sharing his remarks on X, the party wrote, “In this video, the man speaking on the mic is Girdhari Lal Sahu, the husband of Rekha Arya, a minister in the BJP government in Uttarakhand. The minister’s husband is saying that he will bring girls from Bihar for 20-25 thousand rupees and get them married off. This is BJP’s real thinking on women’s honour.”

Clarification and Apology Issued

Amid mounting backlash, Sahu released a clarification video claiming his comments were misinterpreted and taken out of context. He said he was referring to the marriage of a friend and accused opposition parties of distorting his words to malign his wife’s image. “If my words have hurt or offended anyone, I apologise with folded hands,” he said.

Amid the controversy, Sahu said he holds the utmost respect for women.

“In my address, I mentioned the marriage of one of my friends. Opposition leaders including the Congress have twisted that discussion and presented it in the media, which is completely wrong,” The Print quoted him as saying in a report.

Party Distances Itself

The Uttarakhand BJP condemned the statement and asserted that Sahu holds no official position within the party. However, the controversy continues to fuel debate on misogyny in public discourse and the responsibility of political families to uphold dignity and respect.

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