Opposition Criticizes BJP’s Decision to Entrust Election Duty to Controversial MP Ramesh Bidhuri in Tonk
Rajasthan Election 2023: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raised eyebrows by assigning a significant election-related responsibility to the controversial Lok Sabha member Ramesh Bidhuri in Tonk district, Rajasthan. Bidhuri recently faced backlash for making objectionable remarks directed at Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MP Danish Ali. This move by the BJP has not gone unnoticed, drawing criticism from opposition leaders.
Rajya Sabha member Kapil Sibal took to social media and stated, “BJP rewards hatred. Bidhuri has been rewarded for using objectionable words against Danish Ali (BSP) during a special session of Parliament. The BJP has appointed Bidhuri as in-charge of Tonk district in Rajasthan.” He further emphasized that this decision, given Tonk’s significant Muslim population of 29.25 percent, reflects a troubling agenda.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also expressed his disapproval, commenting on the matter. Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra joined the chorus of criticism, highlighting that Bidhuri appears to have been rewarded for his comments against the Muslim MP.
The BJP’s strategic decision is partly rooted in the sizable Gurjar population residing in Tonk district. The party believes that Bidhuri, hailing from the Gurjar community himself, can influence Gurjar votes in their favor. Tonk district comprises four assembly seats, with senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot serving as one of the MLAs, also belonging to the Gurjar community.
Sources from the BJP revealed that Bidhuri has been designated as the party’s election in-charge for the district. He recently participated in the coordination committee meeting for Tonk district in Jaipur, where State BJP President CP Joshi was also present.
Ramesh Bidhuri had previously landed in hot water when he used indecent language against Danish Ali during a Lok Sabha session, prompting the party to issue a show cause notice. Opposition parties strongly condemned Bidhuri’s remarks and demanded his suspension from the House. Ali’s colleagues across party lines have united against the BJP MP, seeking stringent action. Numerous Congress, Trinamool Congress, and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) members penned a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, urging severe action against Bidhuri for his derogatory comments.
