A remark by Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya about BJP councillor Sandhya Yadav’s appearance at a public programme in Indore has triggered a political controversy, after a video of the exchange circulated on social media.
The incident took place on Sunday during a programme related to the inauguration of development works in Indore. Vijayvargiya was the chief guest at the event, where projects including the laying of a Narmada water pipeline were launched.
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During his speech, Vijayvargiya praised Yadav for her work in the ward. He then noticed Indore-5 MLA Mahendra Hardia on the stage and remarked that he had not initially seen him because he was sitting behind the councillor.
Referring to Yadav, Vijayvargiya then said that “Sandhya Didi has also put on some weight”. People at the gathering were heard laughing, with the minister also joining in. The video subsequently circulated widely online.
The comment drew criticism from Congress leaders, who questioned the appropriateness of discussing the physical appearance of an elected woman representative at a public event. Congress leaders also linked the episode to their broader criticism of comments made by BJP leaders about women.
The incident has since become a political talking point, with opposition leaders using the video to question the BJP’s position on women’s dignity and public conduct. India Today also reported that Congress criticised Vijayvargiya over the remark after the video went viral.
However, Yadav herself has sought to put the episode in a different context. In a clarification, the BJP councillor described Vijayvargiya as a father figure and said that their relationship goes back many years. She urged people not to interpret the exchange through social media discussions and said their relationship was similar to that of a father and daughter.
Yadav also highlighted Vijayvargiya’s support for her over the years and indicated that the interaction should not be viewed outside the context of their personal relationship.
The controversy has nevertheless continued online, with the video generating discussion about the language used by political leaders at public programmes. The episode also illustrates how remarks made during informal interactions at political events can quickly become the focus of wider public and political debate once clips circulate on social media.
Vijayvargiya has faced criticism over several remarks in the past, including comments concerning women’s clothing and conduct. Those earlier incidents have been cited by opposition leaders and media reports while discussing the latest controversy.
For the latest episode, however, the immediate sequence is clear: Vijayvargiya made a comment about Yadav’s weight during a public programme, the audience reacted with laughter, the video was widely circulated, and Congress leaders criticised the remark. Yadav subsequently defended the minister and asked people not to misinterpret their relationship.
