23rd September 2023,Mumbai: Who is Ramesh Bidhuri?
Ramesh Bidhuri, a two-term Member of Parliament (MP) from South Delhi, has been a prominent figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with a longstanding association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). His political journey began in his college days when he became a member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student outfit of the RSS. His early foray into student politics saw him elected as a central councillor of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College and a member of Delhi University’s Executive Council in 1983.
Bidhuri’s electoral career had its share of ups and downs. He first contested the Delhi assembly polls in 1993 from the Tughlakabad seat but faced defeat. His determination led him to contest again in 1998, albeit unsuccessfully. However, his perseverance paid off when he emerged victorious in the 2003 election. Bidhuri continued his political journey by securing a win in the 2008 elections from Tughlakabad. Although he faced a setback in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls, losing to Congress’s Ramesh Kumar, he made a triumphant return by winning the South Delhi seat in both the 2014 and 2019 general elections.
Bidhuri’s Controversial Past
Ramesh Bidhuri has consistently courted controversy throughout his political career. Here are some instances that have garnered significant attention:
- Verbal Attacks on Arvind Kejriwal
Bidhuri drew severe criticism when he resorted to derogatory language to attack Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal. In a tweet, he referred to Kejriwal as a ‘dwarf’ and made scathing remarks about the state of Delhi’s infrastructure. This incident not only sparked outrage but also highlighted the use of disrespectful language in political discourse. - Accusations of Misbehavior in the Lok Sabha
In 2015, Bidhuri faced allegations of abusive behavior towards five women MPs, including Ranjeet Ranjan, Sushmita Dev, Supriya Sule, Arpita Ghosh, and PK Sreemathi Teacher, during a session in the Lok Sabha. These accusations were formally reported to then Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, shedding light on issues of decorum and respect within the legislative body. - Controversy during the 2019 Lok Sabha Polls
During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Bidhuri found himself embroiled in yet another controversy over alleged abusive remarks, this time directed at Arvind Kejriwal. The Delhi poll panel served him a notice following a complaint by AAP leader Raghav Chadha, who had contested the Lok Sabha elections from South Delhi. - Disparaging Comments about Sonia Gandhi and Mayawati
In 2017, Ramesh Bidhuri made derogatory remarks about former Congress President Sonia Gandhi, making headlines with his insensitive comments. He went further by dragging Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati into the controversy, showcasing a pattern of offensive rhetoric that raised eyebrows. - Insensitive Remark Towards a Parent
In an alarming incident, Bidhuri reportedly displayed insensitivity towards a parent seeking assistance regarding a school-related matter. Shockingly, he asked the parent, “Why do you give birth to a child in the first place?” This comment not only displayed a lack of empathy but also sparked outrage within the community. Ramesh Bidhuri’s political journey is marred by a series of controversial incidents, from derogatory remarks aimed at political opponents to accusations of misbehavior within the Lok Sabha. While he may have had electoral success, these controversies have raised questions about the decorum and civility expected of elected representatives. As public figures, politicians like Bidhuri should be held accountable for their actions and words, setting a higher standard for political discourse in India.
-by Kashvi Gala