Rajasthan social groups demand action over BJP MLA Bahadur Singh’s sexist budget remarks

A major controversy erupted in the Rajasthan Assembly after BJP MLA Bahadur Singh Koli compared the BJP government’s budget to the “birth of a boy” and the previous Congress government’s final budget to the “birth of a girl” , triggering widespread condemnation, political backlash and civil society protests.

Participating in the budget debate, Bahadur Singh Koli described the BJP’s financial plan as a “youth budget” , asserting that the present dispensation had delivered budgets equivalent to the birth of sons, while former chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s last budget before the elections symbolised the birth of a daughter. Declaring, “Ours is the birth of a boy, not that of a girl,” the legislator drew sharp criticism for reinforcing gender stereotypes and glorifying son preference . Several BJP legislators were reportedly seen laughing during the speech, while Congress members objected strongly. Later, Bahadur Singh Koli defended his remarks, claiming he had used a local expression to contrast what he termed a strong budget with the “populist budgets” of the previous regime.

Beyond the political fallout, activists said the incident highlighted a deeper social contradiction. In Indian society, stark differences persist in the upbringing of boys and girls , with boys enjoying greater freedom and encouragement, while girls face restrictions, safety anxieties and social pressure. They argued that when such thinking is echoed inside a legislative assembly, it legitimises prejudice , undermines constitutional values and weakens efforts to promote equality. Lawmakers, they said, are expected to lead social change, not mirror regressive norms .

Leader of the Opposition Tika Ram Jully condemned the statement as deeply regressive and incompatible with a modern democracy, demanding a public apology and disciplinary action. Congress leaders said the remarks insulted the dignity of women and reflected a deeply patriarchal mindset .

Women’s rights groups and civil society organisations, including the People’s Union for Civil Liberties , National Federation of Indian Women , Rajasthan University Women’s Association , Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan , and independent activists, submitted a memorandum to Speaker Vasudev Devnani . They demanded that the remarks be expunged from Assembly records, disciplinary proceedings be initiated, the matter be referred to the Privileges or Ethics Committee, and the MLA be directed to issue a public and unconditional apology . They warned that such statements normalised discrimination, encouraged female foeticide, worsened skewed sex ratios and weakened the constitutional promise of equality.