Former Union Minister and Congress Lok Sabha candidate from Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, Kantilal Bhuria, stirred controversy on Thursday by asserting that men with two wives would receive double benefits under his party’s Mahalaxmi scheme, which pledged Rs 1 lakh annually to poor women.
Addressing a poll rally in Sailana, Bhuria said, “Our manifesto promises Rs 1 lakh to ever every woman. It will be deposited in her bank account. (For) The person who has two wives, both of them will come under it”.
BJP Seeks Action Against Bhuria
Bhuria’s statement prompted a swift reaction from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), urging the Election Commission of India to take action against the 73-year-old, who previously served as Union Minister for tribal affairs in the Congress-led United Progressive Alliances (UPA) government.
BJP spokesperson Narendra Saluja shared Bhuria’s remarks on X and sought action against him while tagging the poll body in the post.
Congress Comes To Bhuria’s Defence
Madhya Pradesh Congress Chief Jitu Patwari, in Bhuria’s support, said “Bhuria ji has made a terrific announcement just now that a person with two wives will get double (of the Rs 1 lakh financial aid)." According to the Congress' manifesto, the Mahalaxmi scheme guarantees women Rs 8,500 per month until they transition out of the below poverty line (BPL) segment.
As per a PTI report, Bhuria, during his speech, also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of disrespecting tribals and remaining silent when a tribal person was mistreated by a BJP leader in Sidhi.
Bhuria faces Anita Chauhan, the wife of MP forest minister Nagar Singh Chauhan, in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Ratlam scheduled for May 13.