A major political controversy has erupted in Madhya Pradesh after Congress MLA Sahab Singh Gurjar made a highly inflammatory remark targeting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during a protest in Ashoknagar district.
Speaking at the Congress-led ‘Nyay Satyagraha’ protest, the Gwalior Rural legislator stated, “Jo mard they vo jang me aaye, jo hijre they vo Sangh me gaye” (Those who were men came to the war, those who were eunuchs went to the Sangh) — an apparent jibe at the RSS. His comments, captured on video, quickly went viral, triggering outrage from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and condemnation from civil society members.
The protest was held by the Madhya Pradesh Congress to oppose the filing of an FIR against State Congress President Jitu Patwari. Senior party figures including Digvijaya Singh, Umang Singhar, and Patwari himself were present at the demonstration.
The FIR in question originated from a complaint by Ashoknagar resident Gajraj Lodhi, who initially accused a BJP worker of assault and forcing him to consume human excreta. Lodhi later alleged that Jitu Patwari had pressured him into filing the complaint. Following this, the Mungawali police booked Patwari based on Lodhi’s revised statement.
During the protest, former minister Jaivardhan Singh issued a warning: if the FIR against Patwari was not withdrawn by July 7, Congress leaders would voluntarily surrender at Mungawali police station on July 8.
BJP leader and State Cooperative Minister Vishvas Sarang lashed out at Gurjar’s use of the term “Hijra,” calling it “unconstitutional and disgraceful.” He argued that the remark not only targeted the RSS but also insulted respected Congress veterans such as Kamal Nath, Arun Yadav, and Ajay Singh — many of whom have had ties with the Sangh in the past.
“This isn’t just factional infighting; it’s a sign of the Congress party’s worsening internal breakdown and its blatant disrespect for democratic values,” Sarang stated.
The BJP has demanded a public apology from the Congress leadership, which has so far remained silent on the matter. The incident has reignited public debate on the growing use of derogatory and gender-insensitive language in Indian politics, with many calling for greater accountability from elected representatives.
The protest witnessed heavy security deployment. Convoys carrying Congress MLAs were intercepted and searched. Despite the tense environment, the rally concluded peacefully. Sub-Divisional Police Officer Vivek Sharma later confirmed that all protesters were arrested symbolically and released shortly afterward.
