'Priyanka Gandhi's cheek' row: What Ramesh Bidhuri of BJP said about Kalkaji's roads and why is Congress furious?

BJP leader and party candidate from Delhi's Kalkaji assembly seat Ramesh Bidhuri has expressed regret over his statement made about Priyanka Gandhi's "cheeks". 

"Some people are making statements on social media for political gains out of misconception on the statement made by me in another context. I didn't mean to offend anyone. But, still, if anybody has been hurt, I am sorry.

"I said this in reference to what Lalu Yadav said. The Congress kept quiet even when he (Lalu Yadav) was a minister in their government... If my remarks have hurt anyone, I express regret and withdraw my words," he said.

Ramesh Bidhuri courted a massive controversy on Sunday when he said he would make the roads of the Delhi assembly seat as smooth as Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's cheeks.

The issue exploded as Congress and the AAP attacked Ramesh Bidhuri over his objectionable statement. The Congress strongly condemned the statement and demanded action against him. Congress leader Supriya Shrinate said the BJP was an anti- women party. "Ramesh Bidhuri's statement underlines his mindset and BJP's character. The statement is not only shameful but also shows his disgusting mentality towards women. But what else can be expected from a man who abused his fellow MP in the House and did not get any punishment?", she wrote on X.

Defending his remarks, Bidhuri went on to say, "If today they (Congress) feel pained by the statement, then what about Hema ji? She has been a renowned heroine and has brought glory to India through films...If Lalu's statements are wrong, then his statement will also be wrong."

Ramesh Bidhuri is up against Delhi chief minister Atishi from Kalkaji seat.