• Source:JND
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Delhi Assembly Election 2025: BJP candidate from Kalkaji assembly constituency Ramesh Bidhuri’s controversial remarks targeting Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have triggered a backlash, prompting the party to consider replacing him with a woman candidate for the upcoming assembly election. Discussions within the BJP are reportedly underway regarding either "shifting or cancelling" Bidhuri's candidature, according to party insiders cited by The Indian Express.

The controversy began after Ramesh Bidhuri, a two-time Lok Sabha MP and three-time MLA, made derogatory comments during his campaign in Kalkaji. Referring to Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Bidhuri said, “Just as we improved roads in Okhla and Sangam Vihar, we will make all roads in Kalkaji as smooth as Priyanka Gandhi’s cheeks.” The statement, which was captured on video, went viral and drew widespread criticism.

The BJP leader’s statement was not followed by an apology over his sexist remarks on the Lok Sabha MP instead he sparked another controversy by targeting Delhi CM Atishi by saying she had changed her father. Bidhuri referred to Atishi’s decision to drop the surname Marlena and adopt Singh in 2018. Atishi, visibly emotional, addressed the remarks in a press conference, breaking down as she condemned Bidhuri’s comments.

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BJP's Response Over Ramesh Bidhuri's Statements 

BJP president JP Nadda reportedly reprimanded Ramesh Bidhuri following the uproar of his remarks. The party is now exploring alternative candidates for Kalkaji, with several women leaders under consideration, though discussions remain preliminary. Bidhuri, who was announced as the BJP candidate for Kalkaji just a day before his remarks, later expressed regret over his comments on Delhi Chief Minister Atishi.

Notably, this is not the first time Ramesh Bidhuri has courted controversy. Known for his offensive remarks, Bidhuri has a history of targeting political opponents and fellow parliamentarians. In September 2023, he used communal slurs against MP Danish Ali during a Lok Sabha discussion, drawing widespread condemnation. 

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Ramesh Bidhuri's Political Journey

A long-time RSS member, Ramesh Bidhuri began his political journey with the ABVP during his college years and later pursued law. Rising through BJP ranks, he held key positions, including Delhi BJP general secretary and vice-president, gaining proximity to senior leaders like Rajnath Singh.