BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri Receives New Role Despite Controversial Remarks Towards Fellow MP

Ramesh Bidhuri, a BJP Member of Parliament, who recently made headlines for directing Islamophobic insults and offensive language towards Bahujan Samaj Party lawmaker Kunwar Danish Ali, has been entrusted with leading the BJP’s election campaign in Rajasthan’s Tonk. This appointment has sparked outrage from the opposition, who view it as a “reward for hate.”

Bidhuri belongs to the Gurjar community, and the BJP is relying on him to sway votes in the district’s four constituencies, one of which is currently held by Congress leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot. The Tonk seat has traditionally alternated between the BJP and Congress; in 2013, it was won by the BJP’s Ajit Singh Mehta, with the last time it being held by an MLA from the BJP being Mahaveer Prasad in 1993.

On Wednesday, Bidhuri participated in a meeting in Jaipur, chaired by the BJP’s state leader, CP Joshi.

Kunwar Danish Ali, speaking to NDTV a day after the abusive incident, expressed his trauma and distress. He questioned whether a special session was convened to attack elected MPs based on their community affiliation, stating that such actions have brought shame to the entire country. He called for his party to take action against Bidhuri.

The opposition has strongly criticized Bidhuri’s appointment. Independent Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal accused the BJP of rewarding Bidhuri for his shocking behavior in Parliament, emphasizing the dangerous precedent it sets.

Sibal pointed out that Muslims constitute nearly 30 percent of Tonk’s population, suggesting that the appointment symbolizes a political strategy of promoting “hate” for electoral gains.

Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra also weighed in, tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and questioning whether this appointment aligns with the PM’s “Sneha Yatra” (love outreach) for minorities.

In response to the controversy, Kunwar Danish Ali released footage from the parliamentary session in which he angrily confronted Bidhuri. The video aimed to counter claims by BJP lawmakers that the communal slurs directed at him were in response to casteist slurs against Prime Minister Modi.

In a 33-second clip shared on social media, Danish Ali is seen and heard vehemently defending himself against Bidhuri’s offensive remarks.

Bidhuri has not yet commented on the ongoing row, stating that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will make a ruling on the matter, having previously warned Bidhuri of “strict action” if such behavior is repeated.

The opposition has criticized the BJP for its perceived lack of disciplinary action against Bidhuri, who has thus far received only a show-cause notice. While Bidhuri met with party leader JP Nadda in Delhi, details of the meeting have not been disclosed, leaving uncertainty regarding any potential sanctions.

Bidhuri wields significant influence within his community, and the BJP appears focused on strategizing and preparing for the upcoming Rajasthan Assembly elections later this year.

Kunwar Danish Ali expressed concern over the delay in taking action against Bidhuri and suggested that the vulgar comments may be part of a broader BJP plan to construct a new narrative against Muslims in India.

Regarding the meeting between Nadda and Bidhuri, Danish Ali questioned the sincerity of any action taken, emphasizing that there is ample evidence on record to address the issue.