Delhi CM Atishi Criticizes BJP’s Bidhuri Over Offensive Remarks

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Monday expressed outrage at BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri’s offensive remarks, which she said insulted her 80-year-old father, a lifelong teacher dedicated to educating underprivileged children. Fighting back tears, Atishi voiced her shock and disappointment, questioning Bidhuri’s character and accusing him of stooping to such levels for electoral gains.

“My father has been a teacher his entire life, educating thousands of children from poor and lower-middle-class families. Now, at the age of 80, he is so unwell that he needs assistance to even move. Ramesh Bidhuri, how could you stoop so low to attack someone like him? Have you fallen this far?” Atishi said during an emotional address.

Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia also condemned Bidhuri’s remarks, alleging that the BJP routinely promotes derogatory comments against women, particularly women leaders. Sisodia claimed this behavior was reflective of the BJP’s broader culture and asserted that Bidhuri’s comments were likely made with the tacit approval of senior party leaders. “This is the character of the BJP. Ramesh Bidhuri would not make such statements without discussing them with his party’s leadership,” Sisodia said.

The controversy began on Sunday when Bidhuri, during a public meeting, made offensive comments about Atishi’s surname and family. He accused Atishi of altering her name and family identity, saying, “Atishi, who was Marlena, is now Singh. She has even changed her father.” Reacting sharply, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), accusing BJP leaders of crossing “all limits of shamelessness.” He declared that Delhi’s citizens would not tolerate such insults to their Chief Minister and would respond decisively in the upcoming assembly elections.

“BJP leaders have crossed all limits of shamelessness. They are abusing Delhi CM Atishi Ji. The women of Delhi will not tolerate this disrespect. They will take their revenge,” Kejriwal posted on X.

This is not the first time Bidhuri has faced backlash for controversial remarks. In a previous incident, he stirred controversy by commenting on Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, stating during a public meeting that, if elected, the BJP would make Kalkaji’s roads as smooth as “Priyanka Gandhi’s cheeks.”

The remarks have sparked widespread criticism, with AAP leaders and supporters demanding an apology from the BJP.