Maharashtra BJP MLA Faces Backlash For Asking Hindu Women To Avoid Gym: 'You Don't Background Of…'

 A fresh political storm has erupted in Maharashtra after BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar made controversial remarks advising Hindu women and girls to stay away from gyms. His statement has drawn widespread criticism and sparked debate across social media platforms.

Speaking at a public event on Tuesday, Padalkar told a gathering that gyms are part of a “racket" and warned women against trusting gym trainers and staff.

“This gym and all is a big racket. You all don’t know it,” he said, adding, “I urge all the girls and women from the Hindu community, please don’t go to the gym. I join my hands and kneel on your legs, but please don’t go. Do yoga at home if needed. You don’t know the background of the trainers or gym staff. At least verify it first.”

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The statement has not only sparked online outrage but also triggered criticism from activists, political opponents, and citizens questioning the intent behind targeting a specific community of women. Despite the backlash, neither Padalkar nor the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a formal clarification or response as of now.

This isn’t the first time Gopichand Padalkar, the MLA from Sangli district and a prominent leader from the Jat community, has come under fire for his statements. Known for his aggressive rhetoric and outspoken views, Padalkar has previously made headlines for controversial speeches touching on sensitive religious and social topics.

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In July this year, thousands from the Christian community staged a protest at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan following a speech Padalkar made on June 17. In that address, he allegedly announced cash rewards ranging from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 11 lakh for attacks on Christian priests and missionaries, accusing them of being involved in “forceful conversions.”

The speech, which reportedly contained inflammatory language targeting Christian religious figures, was condemned by leaders across party lines and by several human rights organisations.