Minister Vijay Shah has now chosen to back Madhya Pradesh Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya's remarks targeting the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi. Shah brought up the statements made by the minister regarding the siblings' affectionate behaviour at an event in Khandwa.
The controversy began when Vijayavargiya criticised Rahul Gandhi for kissing his sister during public appearances. He claimed that the gesture was of “foreign values” and not part of Indian traditions, NDTV reported. “Who among you kisses your young sisters or daughters in public? This is a lack of values, brought up abroad," he said at an event. His comments were seen as a dig at Rahul Gandhi, who is often photographed being affectionate with his sister Priyanka.
Vijay Shah has now backed those controversial comments, saying, "This is not our culture; our civilisation, customs, and traditions do not teach this. Whatever they teach, practice it in your own homes, not at public places."
He then pointed at a fellow MLA, Kanchan Tanve, during the speech and said, “She is also my real sister, so would I kiss her in public? Indian civilisation does not teach this."
The comments have intensified debate and received sharp criticism from the Congress.
The party launched statewide protests and burned effigies of Vijayvargia. Shah is also under scrutiny for defending Vijayvargia’s comments.
Congress spokesperson KK Mishra said, “It is unfortunate that no action is taken against BJP ministers who use such offensive words.”
State Congress president Jitu Patwari called Vijayvargia’s comments ‘disgusting' and a direct challenge to India’s culture, tradition, and the sacred brother sister relationship.
He also asked that both ministers resign and alleged that Vijayvargia was showing frustration that he was not the Chief Minister. “At the age of 70, he is making absurd statements, insulting our culture and women alike,” he said.
After making the comments, Vijayvargia later doubled down on them, saying, "I am not questioning the sanctity of any relationship. All relationships are sacred. However, there is a limit, and I am referring to that. What I have said is that this happens in foreign countries, but it does not happen like this here. If you had listened to my entire speech, this question would not have arisen. I only talked about foreign culture and Indian culture."
