Delhi Chief Minister Atishi broke down in tears on Monday during a press conference while addressing derogatory remarks allegedly made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ramesh Bidhuri. Atishi, who is contesting the Kalkaji assembly seat, expressed deep hurt over Bidhuri’s comments that targeted her father and her personal identity.
Speaking at the press briefing, Atishi said, “My father was a teacher who dedicated his life to educating children from poor and lower-middle-class families. Now, at 80 years old, he is unwell and can barely walk without assistance. Will you stoop so low for the sake of an election? I never thought politics in this country could degrade to this extent.”
Bidhuri’s Controversial Remarks
Addressing a BJP rally in Rohini, Bidhuri reportedly made personal comments about Atishi’s surname and family background. Referring to her earlier surname Marlena, he accused Atishi of changing her name for political convenience. Bidhuri said, “This Marlena became Singh and changed her name. Kejriwal swore on his children not to go with the corrupt Congress; Marlena changed fathers. Earlier, she was Marlena; now, she has become Singh. This is their character.”
Opposition Slams BJP Candidate
Bidhuri’s remarks sparked outrage from opposition leaders. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi’s party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and other opposition leaders condemned the comments.
AAP convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize Bidhuri. “BJP leaders have crossed all limits of shamelessness. They are abusing Delhi CM Atishi ji. The people of Delhi will not tolerate the insult of a woman Chief Minister. All the women of Delhi will take revenge for this,” he wrote.
Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit, who is contesting from the New Delhi constituency, also criticized Bidhuri. “Ramesh Bidhuri has made such statements in the past. The question arises as to why the BJP would nominate someone with a history of using objectionable language, especially from an important seat. It’s clear he will continue making such remarks.”
History of Controversies
Ramesh Bidhuri, the BJP candidate from Kalkaji, has been at the center of controversies over his language and conduct. His remarks have previously drawn criticism from various quarters, raising questions about the party’s decision to field him as a candidate in this election.
Public Sentiment
The remarks have further fueled political tensions as Delhi heads to the polls. AAP has called upon women voters to reject such behavior and support Atishi as a stand against what it describes as “shameful and misogynistic politics.”
Bidhuri has not yet issued an apology or clarification regarding his comments. Meanwhile, Atishi’s emotional address has resonated with many, amplifying the debate on personal attacks in Indian politics.
Sources By Agencies
