BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya: Girls in vulgar clothes resemble ‘Shurpanakha’

Guwahati: A senior BJP leader stoked a scandal with a statement criticising girls for wearing what he deemed to be “vulgar” clothes and claiming that they resemble “Shurpnakha.”

The comment was made by Kailash Vijayvargiya at a religious function held in Indore on Thursday to commemorate the birth dates of Lord Hanuman and Mahavir.

“When I go out at night and see young people intoxicated, I feel like giving them five-seven [slaps] to sober them up. I swear to God,” he said.

“And the girls wear such dirty clothes… we think of women as goddesses… there’s no trace of that in them. They look like Shurpanakha. God has given you a good body, wear nice clothes. Please teach your children well, I am very worried,” he added.

Shurpnakha is the sister of Ravana, the demon king, according to the mythology. She is portrayed as a hideous, lusty being who tries to seduce both Lord Ram and his brother Lakshman. She assaults them after they refuse her advances, and Lakshman slashes off her nose and ears.

The clip has since gained widespread attention and has received harsh criticism, with many pointing out how sexist and moralistic his remarks were.

Congress spokesperson Sangeeta Sharma said, “BJP leaders humiliate women again and again. It shows their thinking and their attitude. BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya ji calling women as Shurpankha and making objectionable comments on their dress is appropriate in independent India. Apologize BJP!”