'Sandhya Didi has put on weight': Kailash Vijayvargiya's remark on BJP councillor sparks row

The incident took place on Sunday during a groundbreaking ceremony for development projects, including the laying of a Narmada water pipeline.

A video from the event has since gone viral on social media, drawing criticism from Congress leaders.

'Sandhya Didi has also put on some weight'

Vijayvargiya was praising Yadav for her work in the area when he noticed Indore-5 MLA Mahendra Hardia seated behind her.

"Mahendra-ji, I didn't even see you," he said, before adding that Hardia was sitting behind the councillor.

He then turned to Yadav and remarked, "Sandhya Didi has also put on some weight."

The comment was followed by laughter from people at the event, with Vijayvargiya also laughing. The footage subsequently spread widely online.

Another version of the viral video quotes Vijayvargiya as saying that Yadav's "width" had increased slightly.

Congress targets Vijayvargiya

The remark prompted criticism from Congress leaders, who objected to a senior public representative commenting on a woman's physical appearance at a public event.

Congress leader Bhupendra Gupta questioned the BJP's claims about respecting women and said senior leaders should demonstrate that respect in their treatment of women representatives.

AICC media coordinator Neelabh Shukla also criticised the remark, calling it objectionable and questioning comments about women's physical appearance by BJP leaders.

Councillor calls Vijayvargiya 'father figure'

Amid the controversy, Sandhya Yadav has sought to clarify the nature of her relationship with Vijayvargiya.

Yadav said their relationship is long-standing and familial, describing the minister as a father figure who has supported and cared for her since her childhood.

She also urged people not to misinterpret the remarks or pay attention to social media speculation surrounding the incident.

The councillor said the relationship between them was like that of a father and daughter and asked people to view the interaction in that context.

Viral video fuels political row

The episode has nevertheless triggered a fresh political exchange in Madhya Pradesh, with the focus largely centred on Vijayvargiya's comments about the councillor's appearance.

The minister had initially praised Yadav's work and involvement in her ward before making the remark that became the subject of the controversy.

The video has continued to circulate on social media, prompting further reactions from political leaders.