"20-25 hazar me ladkiyan mil jati hai": BJP MLA's husband mocks Bihar women

Uttarakhand minister Rekha Arya has come under political fire after a video of her husband, Girdhari Lal Sahu, went viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism from opposition parties. In the clip, Sahu is heard claiming that girls are available for marriage in Bihar for ₹20,000–25,000, a remark that sparked outrage and allegations of misogyny.

The Congress strongly reacted to the statement, calling it reflective of an anti-women mindset and accusing the ruling party of repeatedly facing controversies related to women. Opposition leaders demanded accountability, stating that such remarks demean women and reinforce regressive stereotypes.

Girdhari Lal Sahu, who is associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party, was seen in the video interacting with a group of young men and discussing marriage arrangements. As the clip spread rapidly online, it intensified political sparring, placing Rekha Arya, a BJP MLA and minister in the Pushkar Singh Dhami government, at the centre of the controversy.

Following the backlash, Sahu issued a public apology, claiming his words were taken out of context during a general conversation at a local programme. He said he respects women and expressed regret if his remarks hurt sentiments, even as political reactions continued.