A major controversy has erupted after a video surfaced featuring Girdhari Lal Sahu, the husband of Uttarakhand's Women Empowerment and Child Development Minister Rekha Arya, making derogatory comments about women from Bihar. The incident, which occurred in Daulaghat, Almora, has triggered widespread condemnation and political outrage.
The Controversial Video and Immediate Backlash
In the video, which is said to be from January 3, 2026, Sahu is purportedly heard conversing with an unmarried man. He suggests that the man can find a bride from Bihar for a sum between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000. "You can get women in Bihar for Rs 20,000-25,000. Come with me, we will get you married," Sahu is alleged to have said.
The remarks were swiftly condemned as deeply offensive and misogynistic. The Bihar State Women Commission (BSWC) announced on Friday that it would serve a formal notice to Girdhari Lal Sahu. BSWC Chairperson Apsara strongly criticized the statement, calling it "highly condemnable" and a sign of "mental bankruptcy." She pointedly questioned how Sahu could make such a comment while his own wife holds a portfolio dedicated to women's empowerment.
Political Reactions and Demands for Action
The political fallout was immediate and sharp. The Congress party launched a scathing attack via its official X handle. The party accused Sahu of putting a price on the daughters of Bihar and linked his "shameful statement" to a broader pattern of disrespect towards women within the BJP's ranks. The post referenced the tragic murder of Ankita Bhandari in 2022 in Rishikesh, alleging it showed the "vile and petty thinking" prevalent among BJP leaders.
Adding to the pressure, Uttarakhand Mahila Congress president Jyoti Rautela stated that her organization had not only denounced the remark but had also filed a formal complaint at the Dalanwala police station in Dehradun. They demanded legal action against Sahu and sought an explanation from Minister Rekha Arya herself, given her official position.
Sahu's Apology and Claim of Twisted Words
Facing intense criticism, Girdhari Lal Sahu later posted a video apology. He claimed that his words had been twisted by political opponents and that he never intended to disrespect women. Sahu explained that he was speaking casually with a friend and that the conversation had been convoluted before reaching the media. "If my words have hurt anyone, I seek forgiveness with folded hands," he stated, offering a conditional apology.
However, his clarification has done little to quell the anger. The incident has raised serious questions about the attitudes towards women held by those close to power and has put Minister Rekha Arya in an awkward position. The demand for accountability continues to grow, with legal and political processes now in motion.
