Viral Video Row hits Devbhumi: Derogatory Remarks on Women Triggers Political Storm
Viral Video Row hits Devbhumi: Derogatory Remarks on Women Triggers Political Storm

Viral Video Row hits Devbhumi: Derogatory Remarks on Women Triggers Political Storm

Agartala/New Delhi Jan 3: Devbhumi, once again, has hit news headlines for wrong reasons. After killing of Tripura ‘s Angel Chakma, fresh controversy in Ankita Bhandari case, the viral video has drew large-scale condemnation.

A political storm has hit grounds after a video circulating widely on social media allegedly captured Girdhari Lalu Sahu, the husband of Uttarakhand Women and Child Welfare Minister Rekha Arya, making objectionable comments about women from Bihar.

The controversy prompted the Bihar State Women Commission to take suo motu notice of the matter and issue a formal notice seeking his response.

The viral clip shows Sahu speaking to a group of young people, during which he is purportedly heard making remarks suggesting that unmarried men could “arrange” brides from Bihar for a fixed sum, a statement that has been widely condemned as insulting and discriminatory.

The remarks triggered strong public backlash, with critics describing them as deeply offensive and degrading to women. Many activists and commentators pointed out that such statements trivialise serious social issues, including gender-based exploitation, human trafficking, and child marriage.

The Uttarakhand BJP distanced itself from the controversy, issuing a statement condemning the comments and clarifying that Sahu does not hold any official position within the party.

Meanwhile, the Bihar State Women Commission has formally sought a detailed explanation from Sahu, reiterating that the alleged remarks are defamatory, offensive, and unacceptable in a civil society.

Political reactions followed swiftly from both Bihar and Uttarakhand. Jyoti Rautela, the state president of the Congress Mahila Morcha, strongly criticised the comments, terming them disgraceful. She said the statement amounted to an assault on the dignity of women and girls and reflected a mindset that encourages social evils such as trafficking and forced marriages.

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav also weighed in, taking to social media platform X to denounce the remarks. He described the statement as reflective of what he called the ruling BJP’s “toxic attitude” towards women and sarcastically linked it to past allegations of BJP leaders engaging in vote-buying.

Attention has also returned to Sahu’s controversial history. He has previously been associated with a double murder case and was accused in 2015 by a former domestic worker of orchestrating the illegal removal of his kidney in Sri Lanka, allegedly for a transplant for Sahu’s second wife.

Viral Video Row hits Devbhumi: Derogatory Remarks on Women Triggers Political Storm
Viral Video Row hits Devbhumi: Derogatory Remarks on Women Triggers Political Storm

Amid mounting criticism, Sahu released a separate video message offering clarification. He claimed his words had been misunderstood and taken out of context, stating that the comments were made casually while referring to a friend’s marriage. He also issued an apology, saying he regretted any hurt caused by his remarks.

The episode has once again sparked a wider discussion on accountability, respect for women, and the ethical responsibilities of individuals linked to public office holders. (Edited)