BJP MP Banshilal Mahto calls Chhattisgarh girls 'tana-tan', triggers political row

Image Credit: ANI/Twitter

Raipur: Chhattisgarh BJP MP Banshilal Mahto has triggered a fresh controversy after making sexist remarks against the state’s girls.

According to reports, the matter came to fore after a video purportedly showing BJP MP Banshilal Mahto describing Chhattisgarh girls as ‘tana-tan’ became viral on the social media.

“Majaak mein bhale le liya jataa hai inn baaton ko, lekin Bhaiyalal Rajwade aksar ye baat kahte hain kee Korba ki turi aur Chhattisgarh ki ladiyan tana-tan ho gayi hain,'' Mahto can be heard saying in the video.

The senior BJP leader made this remarks while addressing a gathering at a wrestling competition at Korba on October 2.

Taking serious note of the matter, the opposition parties, including Congress, have demanded strict action against the BJP leader for his sexist and crass remarks.

77-year-old Mahto is the BJP Lok Sabha member from Korba, which is about 215 km northeast of state capital Raipur.

Reacting to the incident, Congress leader TS Singh Deo said that Mahto should apologise and legal action should be taken against him. 

Janata Congress Chhattisgarh vice-president Amit Jogi said he was present at the event where Mahto spoke. 

“The statement of the senior BJP MP is unfortunate. It reflects the mindset of the BJP,” Jogi said.