Ramesh Bidhuri’s controversial comments about Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have raised a storm within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with discussions underway about replacing him with a female candidate for the upcoming Delhi assembly elections. These remarks, which were made shortly after he was selected as the party’s candidate for Kalkaji, have prompted multiple internal meetings within the BJP.

The discussions revolve around whether Bidhuri, a seasoned politician with strong ties to the Gujjar community, should continue as the BJP candidate. Party sources have indicated that at least two meetings have been held to consider whether his candidacy should be altered, with some suggesting that a woman candidate might be a better fit for the seat. This comes after Bidhuri’s remarks led to public discontent, including a stern reprimand from BJP President JP Nadda.

A BJP insider was quoted in The Indian Express saying, “Not just against Atishi, Rameshji’s statement on Priyanka Gandhi Vadra led to his being reprimanded by Naddaji within minutes.” These comments, which were seen as disrespectful and inappropriate, have added fuel to the fire.

The controversy began when, while discussing the condition of roads in Kalkaji, Bidhuri made an offensive comment about Priyanka Gandhi’s appearance, saying, “Just as we improved roads in Okhla and Sangam Vihar, we will make all roads in Kalkaji as smooth as Priyanka Gandhi’s cheeks.” He also targeted Atishi for her decision to change her surname, mocking her for dropping “Marlena” and adopting “Singh.”

Atishi decided to remove her surname in 2018, a personal choice that was criticized by BJP leaders like Bidhuri. The remarks were widely condemned by various political factions, including AAP and Congress, which accused the BJP of promoting misogynistic and personal attacks.

Bidhuri, who has previously been involved in a major controversy in 2023 for making derogatory comments about former BSP MP Danish Ali during a debate in the Lok Sabha, has now found his future in the party uncertain. His comments on Ali reportedly cost him not only his 2024 Lok Sabha ticket but also a potential role in the Union Cabinet.

While the BJP’s decision regarding his candidacy for the Kalkaji seat remains uncertain, it is clear that the party is facing mounting pressure to distance itself from such remarks. The internal discussions about replacing him with a woman candidate signal the party’s attempt to move beyond the controversy and maintain its image ahead of the crucial Delhi assembly elections.