Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLC Suresh Dhas made a controversial remark on migrant labourers from Bihar which has triggered a political row, evoking angry reactions from members of different parties. He asserted that men from Bihar live in Maharashtra, while their wives give birth to children in their home state and husbands distribute sweets here in Maharashtra.
Party leader Sanjay Tiger, lashing out at the MLC over the remark said that the remark was not just condemnable but also divisive, and the party would seek a clarification from Dhas on his remark.
Maharashtra BJP leader Haidar Azam said that the party would seek a clarification from Dhas on his remark, adding that he must offer an unconditional apology.
Distressed with the remark, National Democratic Alliance (NDA) constituent Janata Dal-United (JDU) also lashed out at the BJP leader over his remark. “The remark is condemnable and also one to insult 11 crore Biharis. His comments attack the prestige of people of Bihar,” said JDU spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan, adding that it showed that the BJP MLC did not have a sound mind.
The North Indian panchayat has expressed strong displeasure over the statement of Suresh Dhas and has announced a reward of eleven thousand rupees to those who beat the MLA with shoes and slippers. The Panchayat has also asked the BJP to take action against Dhas.