Kantilal Bhuria, the Congress Lok Sabha candidate from Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam constituency, has sparked controversy with his recent remarks regarding multiple marriages. Addressing a poll rally, Bhuria stated that if the Congress came to power, men with two wives would receive Rs 2 lakh. This statement has drawn sharp criticism and condemnation from various quarters.
Bhuria’s comments came during a campaign event where he outlined the party’s manifesto promises. He mentioned that under the proposed ‘Mahalaxmi Scheme’, one woman from every poor household would receive Rs 1 lakh annually.
However, it was his assertion regarding financial benefits for men with multiple wives that has stirred outrage.
#WATCH | While addressing a public rally, Congress candidate from Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam, Kantilal Bhuria says, "…After the Congress govt comes to power, what we have written in our constitution, Rs 1 lakh will be credited in the account of every woman, and those who have 2… pic.twitter.com/xzTSXoGzH2
— ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2024
The BJP, in response to Bhuria’s statement, swiftly reacted, with Madhya Pradesh BJP spokesperson Narendra Saluja urging the Election Commission of India to take action. Saluja denounced the remarks as objectionable and reflective of the Congress’s “cheap thinking.”
Narendra Saluj highlighted the need for the Election Commission to intervene and address the matter promptly.
In addition, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized Bhuria’s statement, accusing the Congress of promoting a perverse notion of incentivizing multiple marriages. Poonawalla condemned the idea of offering financial rewards based on personal laws that allow polygamy, labeling it as demeaning and objectifying to women.
The controversy comes at a crucial juncture as the Ratlam constituency gears up for the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for May 13. The constituency, along with several others in Madhya Pradesh, is witnessing intense campaigning as parties vie for voter support.
Madhya Pradesh is undergoing Lok Sabha polls in four phases, with the final phase set to take place on May 13, encompassing eight constituencies, including Ratlam. The outcome of these elections will determine the composition of the parliament, with the counting of votes slated for June 4.
As the political landscape heats up in Madhya Pradesh, Bhuria’s remarks have injected a fresh wave of controversy into the electoral discourse. The incident has reignited debates on gender equality, electoral ethics, and the role of personal beliefs in public policy, underscoring the need for responsible and respectful political rhetoric.
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