BJP Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya Stirs Controversy Over Comments on Women’s Clothing

Ravi Singh

Senior BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has sparked widespread criticism after a video of his remarks about women’s attire began circulating on social media. Speaking at a World Environment Day event in Indore, Kailash Vijayvargiya expressed disapproval of women wearing “skimpy clothes,” calling it a “foreign concept of beauty” that does not align with Indian traditions.

The minister stated that in Indian culture, women are revered as goddesses and should dress accordingly. “If a girl here wears good and pretty clothes, does good makeup, and wears nice jewellery, then people consider her very beautiful. But abroad, if a woman wears less clothes, then it is considered good. Now, this is their thinking,” he said while addressing the audience.

Kailash Vijayvargiya made these remarks while commenting on a Western proverb often cited to compare short speeches with short dresses. He said he found the saying inappropriate and does not endorse such comparisons. Referring to a local BJP leader’s brief speech, he noted that while concise public addresses are effective, the Western analogy tying it to women’s clothing is unacceptable. “I do not follow this saying. I believe in our country, women are a form of goddess. They should wear very good clothes,” he added, drawing applause and laughter from the audience.

He further revealed that he often advises young women seeking selfies with him to dress in what he deems “good clothes.” His statement, which many see as moral policing, has drawn sharp reactions across political and social platforms.

The incident has reignited a broader conversation about women’s freedom of choice in clothing, with critics arguing that leaders should focus on governance rather than policing women’s attire. As the video continues to circulate widely, many are questioning the appropriateness of such comments from a serving Cabinet Minister in a democratic society.