Congress Leader Shashi Tharoor Condemns BJP Candidate's Remarks on Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has condemned BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri's controversial remarks on Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Tharoor called Bidhuri's statement "petty" and emphasized the importance of mutual respect in politics.

"Frankly, I think this is petty. We shouldn't get into these things. To be very honest, what really matters to us is that people should respect each other and not show each other disrespect in politics. We may have disagreements but that doesn't mean there should be any disrespect expressed. I think that people should behave with mutual respect whether they agree with somebody or not. We are not going around saying such things about BJP people, they should not be saying this about our side either," Tharoor told ANI.

Bidhuri had sparked controversy with his remarks about making roads in Kalkaji as smooth as Priyanka Gandhi's cheeks if BJP comes to power. AAP MP Sanjay Singh shared a video of Bidhuri's statement on social media, leading to widespread criticism.

Following the backlash, Bidhuri expressed regret over his remarks and clarified that they were made in the context of similar statements made by RJD supremo Lalu Yadav in the past. He emphasized that the Congress party had remained silent when such statements were made during Lalu Yadav's tenure as chief minister of Bihar.

"Such statements have been made before. I have said that in the context of what Lalu Yadav had said. Congress remained silent on that even when he (Lalu Yadav) was a minister in their govt. If anyone is hurt by my remark, I express regret over it and I take my words back," Bidhuri said.

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate strongly criticized Bidhuri's remarks, terming them as "shameful" and accusing the BJP of fostering an anti-women mindset.

The incident highlights the ongoing political tension in Delhi ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, likely to be held in February 2025. Congress, which was in power in Delhi for 15 years, has faced setbacks in recent elections, while AAP emerged victorious in the 2020 assembly polls.