Rajasthan BJP chief's comparison of state budget to "dark-skinned bride" stirs up row

Rajasthan: In a bizarre and sexist comment, Rajasthan BJP president and MLA Satish Punia stirred up a controversy by likening the state budget to a dark-skinned bride-to-be who is taken to the beauty parlour to make her look fair

The MLA, criticizing the state dispensation over the populist budget, said, "The Budget presented by Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is like a dark bride-to-be being taken to the beauty parlour to have her makeup done so she looks fair."

Calling the budget populist, the opposition BJP has alleged that although the government has made several announcements, it does not have the money to fulfil them.

"The government has made promises one after the other today. But I want to know where the money is to fulfil those promises. I can assure you that all the promises made by the state government in the budget may not be fulfilled," the Leader of the Opposition said.

The remarks drew strong criticism with the ruling Congress targeting him for using such language against women.

Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra said, "Satish Poonia Ji has not only insulted women but also hurt the dignity of women with such indecent and irresponsible remarks. Using derogatory words for women, sisters and daughters have become the hallmark of BJP leaders."

Lokesh Sharma, the officer on special duty (OSD) to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, also pitched in to criticise the BJP leader over the comments.

"Respect for women is paramount. Such a racist comment by Satish Poonia Ji against women, while criticising the budget, is not appropriate. We all have the responsibility to respect women," he tweeted.