Vijayvargiya's Weight Remark on Woman Councillor Sparks Row in Indore

A remark by Madhya Pradesh Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya about a woman BJP councillor's weight at a public event in Indore has drawn condemnation from the opposition, even as the councillor herself described the minister as a father figure and urged people not to read too much into his words.

The incident took place on Sunday at a programme in Assembly Constituency Number 1 to launch construction projects, including the laying of a Narmada water pipeline. Vijayvargiya, the chief guest, began by praising local councillor Sandhya Yadav for her work and her active involvement in the area.

The tone shifted when the minister noticed Indore-5 MLA Mahendra Hardia on the stage. After telling Hardia that he had not spotted him at first, Vijayvargiya observed that the MLA had been seated behind the councillor. He then remarked that Yadav had "put on some weight".

The audience laughed, and the minister joined in. A video of the exchange has since circulated widely online.

Vijayvargiya also spoke at the event about the responsibilities women carry both at home and in public life. Congress leaders, however, seized on his comment about the elected representative's appearance, arguing that public platforms should not be used for personal remarks about women's bodies.

Congress leader Bhupendra Gupta questioned the BJP's claims of upholding women's dignity, saying senior leaders should show that respect in how they treat the party's own female representatives.

The episode is the latest in a series of statements by Vijayvargiya that have drawn criticism over his comments on women's appearance, clothing and safety. In 2023, he compared girls whose clothing he disapproved of to the Ramayana character Surpanakha, prompting accusations of sexism. In June 2025, he said he disliked women wearing revealing clothes and refused to be photographed with them.

In September 2025, he criticised Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for publicly kissing his sister, MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, linking the gesture to foreign cultural influence; Congress rejected the criticism as an attack on an expression of affection between siblings. In October 2025, after two Australian women cricketers were allegedly molested in Indore during the Women's World Cup, he urged players to inform security officials before stepping out, describing the incident as "a lesson for us and for the players as well" — a remark criticised for shifting responsibility towards women.

He also described "love jihad" as a conspiracy targeting Hindu girls and urged mothers to instil moral values in their daughters. In December 2025, he claimed the Taj Mahal had originally been a temple before being converted into a mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal. In June 2026, he said Muslims who called public representatives "kafirs" should stop using roads built under their leadership and refuse welfare benefits, causing disruption in the Assembly. During a February 2026 confrontation over the Bhagirathpura water contamination deaths, he told Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar to "stay within your limits", triggering an uproar and prompting Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to apologise in the House.

Responding to the latest controversy, councillor Sandhya Yadav said her relationship with Vijayvargiya is long-standing and familial. She described him as a father figure who has supported and cared for her since childhood. Referring to the development programme in her ward, which was also attended by MP Shankar Lalwani and other leaders, she asked people not to misinterpret his remarks or pay heed to social media rumours, stressing that their bond is like that of a father and daughter.