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The furore began when Vijayvargiya criticised Rahul Gandhi for kissing his sister during public events, claiming such gestures were “foreign values”.
BJP slammed Priyanka Vadra. (PTI)
The political row over Madhya Pradesh Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya’s remarks about Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has intensified, with his cabinet colleague Vijay Shah openly supporting him. The controversy, rooted in comments about public displays of affection between the Gandhi siblings, has sparked protests, accusations of misogyny, and renewed debate over cultural values in Indian politics.
What sparked the row?
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The furore began when Vijayvargiya criticised Rahul Gandhi for kissing his sister during public events, claiming such gestures were “foreign values” and alien to Indian traditions. Speaking at a rally, he asked, “Who among you kisses your young sisters or daughters in public? This is a lack of values, brought up abroad.” The remarks referred to widely circulated images of Rahul embracing or kissing Priyanka at rallies.
Vijay Shah reignited the controversy in Khandwa, declaring, “This is not our culture; practise such things at home, not in public.” Pointing to a fellow MLA during his speech, he added: “She is also my real sister, so would I kiss her in public? Indian civilisation does not teach this.”
What Congress said?
The Congress Party has launched statewide protests, burning effigies of Vijayvargiya and condemning Shah’s remarks. State Congress president Jitu Patwari labelled the comments “disgusting” and “a direct challenge to India’s culture and the sacred brother-sister relationship,” demanding the resignation of both ministers. Spokesperson KK Mishra accused the ruling BJP of shielding ministers who “use abusive and derogatory language.”
Shah is no stranger to incendiary remarks. Earlier this year, he apologised for a deeply controversial statement about an army officer following “Operation Sindoor.” Congress leaders argue that the latest comments reflect a “dirty mindset” and an attempt to distract from governance failures.
While Vijayvargiya later claimed he was merely highlighting cultural differences and not questioning the sibling bond, the damage was done. The controversy has become a flashpoint in the ongoing BJP-Congress rivalry, with critics accusing the ministers of distorting cultural values to score political points.
Delhi, India, India
September 27, 2025, 12:55 IST
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