A controversy erupted in the Rajasthan Assembly after BJP MLA Bahadur Singh Koli made remarks during the budget debate, comparing the state budget to the birth of a boy and a girl.
Speaking in the House, Koli said the BJP government’s budgets were like giving birth to a “son,” while the Congress’ last budget was like giving birth to a “daughter.” He linked the BJP’s budgets to “youth” and described the Congress budget as one meant for “old age.”
“Our first budget came and the whole of Rajasthan appreciated it. The second budget was also welcomed. The third budget was also welcomed,” Koli said. Referring to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, he added, “Our government gave birth to a son in the first budget, gave birth to a son in the second budget, and gave birth to a son in the third budget. The one who gives birth to a son in his youth is always useful.”
Taking a swipe at former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Koli said Gehlot announced his last budget before elections and claimed that “a daughter was born, but a son was not born,” adding that this was why the Congress now sits in the Opposition.
Koli made the remarks while comparing the BJP’s budgets with those presented by the previous Congress government. Fellow BJP MLAs laughed during his speech instead of interrupting him.
The Speaker did not object to the comments, but some Congress MLAs raised objections inside the Assembly.
Koli’s statements, which drew attention for drawing a distinction between boys and girls while praising one over the other, have sparked criticism over their tone.
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