A controversy has erupted in Madhya Pradesh following comments made by Urban Affairs Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya regarding Rahul Gandhi and his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, specifically referencing their public displays of affection. Vijayvargiya's remarks, made at a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) event in Shajapur, have been interpreted as criticism of Rahul Gandhi for kissing his sister in public. He questioned whether such behavior aligns with Indian values, suggesting it reflects foreign influence.
Vijayvargiya stated, "Our opposition leaders today are such that they kiss their young sisters in the middle of a crossroads. I want to ask you, who among you kisses your young sisters or daughters in public? This is a lack of values". He further added, "These are foreign values, brought up abroad. They even speak rudely to the Prime Minister". He also said, "We are people of an old culture. In our sisters' village, we don't even drink the water".
The Congress party has strongly condemned Vijayvargiya's statement, calling it "outrageous" and indicative of the BJP's "dirty mindset". The Madhya Pradesh Congress asserted that the bond between Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi is sacred and that Vijayvargiya's remarks insult the honor of every brother and sister in the country. State Congress chief Jitu Patwari stated that Vijayvargiya chose Navratri, a festival dedicated to the worship of the Mother Goddess, to insult the sacred brother-sister bond. He also accused Vijayvargiya of repeatedly insulting women through comments about their clothes, education, and speech.
In response to the backlash, Vijayvargiya clarified his remarks, stating that he was not questioning the sanctity of any relationship but was instead referring to the differences between foreign and Indian culture. He said that while all relationships are sacred, including those between father and son, husband and wife, and brother and sister, there is a limit to public displays of affection, which he believes are more common in foreign countries. Vijayvargiya insisted that his comments were taken out of context and that his full speech would provide clarity. "All relations, husband-wife, father-son, brother-sister, are sacred, but there is a Maryada (dignity) to every relationship. I also kiss my sister's head out of love, but not at a crossroads. My point was that public displays like these reflect Western culture, which is not acceptable in Indian tradition,” he said.
The controversy has sparked protests by Congress workers across Madhya Pradesh. Effigies of Vijayvargiya have been burned, and demonstrations have been held to condemn his remarks. Critics have accused Vijayvargiya of crossing the line between political rivalry and personal attacks. This is not the first time Vijayvargiya has been embroiled in controversy due to his statements. Past incidents include remarks about women's clothing and comments regarding a potential civil war in the country.
