Maharashtra BJP MLA Advises Hindu Girls to Avoid Gyms Amid Alleged "Conspiracy" Claims

Mumbai:

BJP Maharashtra MLA Gopichand Padalkar has ignited controversy with his recent statement advising Hindu girls to avoid gyms.

During a public meeting in Beed, Padalkar specifically urged college-attending Hindu girls to practice yoga at home instead of going to gyms. He claimed this advice was based on an alleged conspiracy, suggesting they might be vulnerable to deception.

"A huge conspiracy is underway, understand it clearly. Don't be deceived by someone who appears very good or speaks well," stated Padalkar. His comments were widely interpreted as alluding to members of another community, whom he accused of targeting women.

"People should be vigilant about who serves as their gym trainer. If young girls from home attend gyms, they should receive counseling. Girls should practice yoga at home instead, eliminating the need for gym attendance, because they are being deceived and treated unjustly," he further declared.

The BJP legislator also called for identifying and restricting youth who visit colleges without proper identification. "We need to create a strong deterrence," emphasized the MLA from Jat in Sangli district.

This incident isn't Padalkar's first controversial statement. In September, he made derogatory remarks about NCP-SP (Nationalist Congress Party Sharad Chandra Pawar) leader Jayant Patil and his parents, triggering significant backlash.

The NCP-SP party organized protests and burned effigies of Padalkar in response. Party leader Sharad Pawar personally contacted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to express strong objections to Padalkar's comments.