Bihari Girls Available for Marriage at Rs 25,000: BJP Minister’s Husband Sparks Nationwide Outrage

A major controversy has erupted after a video allegedly showing Girdhari Lal Sahu, husband of Uttarakhand Women and Child Welfare Minister Rekha Arya, making derogatory remarks about women from Bihar went viral on social media.

In the video, Sahu is heard addressing a gathering and asking young men about their marital status. He allegedly says that if they are unable to get married, girls can be “brought from Bihar” for an amount ranging between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000. The remark triggered widespread outrage across Bihar and Uttarakhand, with strong reactions from women’s rights bodies and political leaders.

Taking serious note of the incident, the Bihar State Women Commission took suo motu cognisance and issued a notice to Sahu. The commission termed the statement deeply offensive and said it undermines the dignity, safety and constitutional rights of women. It also wrote to Pushkar Singh Dhami, seeking an explanation and action.

Opposition parties sharply criticised the comment. Congress leaders in Uttarakhand said the statement reflects a regressive mindset and promotes social crimes such as human trafficking, forced marriages and exploitation of women. They questioned how such remarks could come from the family of a minister entrusted with women and child welfare.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also reacted strongly, stating that the comment insulted women of Bihar and exposed what he described as a “toxic and feudal mentality” towards women and poorer regions.

Amid the growing backlash, Sahu released a clarification video claiming his remarks were misinterpreted and were made casually while referring to a friend’s marriage. He apologised publicly, saying his intention was not to hurt sentiments or demean anyone.

The BJP, meanwhile, distanced itself from Sahu, stating that he holds no official position in the party and that his personal comments do not reflect the party’s ideology. Despite this, women’s organisations continue to demand accountability, arguing that such statements normalise the commodification of women and reinforce dangerous stereotypes.

The incident has reignited a broader national debate on misogyny, regional prejudice and the need for stricter action against public figures who make statements that degrade women and encourage social exploitation.