AAP leaders want roads like "Hema Malini's cheeks"; BJP demands action

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Naresh Balyan has come under fire for remarks made during a Facebook live session, where he pledged to make the roads in Uttam Nagar “as smooth as Hema Malini's cheeks.” The comments were intended to assure residents about the government's commitment to improving local infrastructure. However, the remarks have drawn significant criticism, particularly from the Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has demanded action against Balyan.

In the video clip, Balyan's comments included a promise that “all works will be completed swiftly by the 35th of the month,” which many perceived as a nonsensical claim, as there is no 35th day in any month. Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor criticized this statement, asserting that it reflects poorly on Balyan’s capability to address local issues and is disrespectful to both women and the constituents of Uttam Nagar. Kapoor characterized the comment as trivializing serious matters concerning road conditions in the area.

The BJP's call for action included a demand for AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal to expel Balyan from the party, citing that such sexist remarks contribute to a broader culture of disrespect toward women. Kapoor stated that the BJP aims to hold politicians accountable for their language and behavior, advocating for an environment where public officials uphold respect and dignity in their communications.

Within AAP, Balyan's comments also sparked backlash from his fellow party members. AAP MLA Swati Maliwal publicly condemned Balyan's remarks, calling them “anti-women” and indicative of a problematic mindset. Maliwal pointed to the dilapidated condition of roads in Uttam Nagar as a failure of Balyan’s leadership, stating that he has been negligent during his tenure. She urged Kejriwal to take immediate and decisive action against Balyan to demonstrate that such attitudes have no place in the party.

Rekha Sharma, the former chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), also joined the chorus of criticism against Balyan, highlighting that his remarks are part of a worrying trend of sexist comments made by political leaders. She referenced similar statements made by politicians across different parties, arguing that such behavior undermines the efforts to combat gender discrimination and misogyny in society. Sharma emphasized the importance of political leaders being role models and called for AAP to take strong measures against Balyan to ensure accountability.