Congress leader Kantilal Bhuria sparked controversy during a rally in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam Lok Sabha constituency when he announced that men with two wives would receive financial aid of Rs 2 lakh if Congress came to power. He also stated that under the party's Mahalaxmi scheme, women would receive Rs 1 lakh annually. His remarks were made in the presence of prominent party leaders like former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh and state unit chief Jitu Patwari.
The Congress manifesto promises Rs 8,500 per month to women under the Mahalaxmi scheme until they are no longer categorized as below the poverty line (BPL). Bhuria's announcement received support from Patwari, who described it as a "terrific announcement" during the rally.
However, Bhuria's comments drew strong criticism from the ruling BJP, with MP Maya Naroliya alleging that Congress leaders were making statements that demeaned women. BJP spokesperson Narendra Saluja called for action from the Election Commission, tagging them in a social media post with a video clip of Bhuria's statement.
In addition to the controversial remarks, Bhuria accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of disrespecting tribals and failing to address instances of tribal discrimination. Bhuria, who previously served as Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, is contesting against Anita Chauhan, the wife of Madhya Pradesh Forest Minister Nagar Singh Chauhan, in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Ratlam.
