Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hugs Gopichand Padalkar, who rejoined the BJP ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections in 2019. | Photo credit: Vivek Bendre
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Gopichand Padalkar, who represents the Jat constituency in Maharashtra, sparked controversy after a public rally in the state’s Beed district on Thursday, where he urged Hindu girls to avoid gyms and instead practice yoga at home.
Mr Padalkar claimed the gyms posed a hidden threat, referring to what he called a “big conspiracy”, without naming any specific group.
“My sincere request to Hindu girls and women, don’t go to gyms where you don’t know who the trainer is. All these gyms are a big racket that you don’t know about. Better practice yoga at home. I am asking all of you with folded hands and kneeling in front of you, please listen to me and don’t go to the gym. You don’t know the background and staff of these trainers,” he said.
While he did not specifically mention any community in his reference to “they”, he alluded to instances of so-called “love jihad” and claimed that “the jihadist mindset targets young and innocent Hindu girls by befriending them in the gym”.
The Jat MLA in Sangli district also called for increased vigilance on university campuses and suggested that entry of youths without proper identification should be restricted. “We need to create a strong deterrent,” he said.
His comments drew sharp criticism from civil society groups, opposition leaders and social media users who accused him of promoting community division and moral policing under the guise of protecting women.
Earlier this year, Mr. Padalkar faced protests from Christian groups over alleged inflammatory remarks about religious conversions and alleged monetary incentives offered to missionaries.
Published – 17 Oct 2025 21:09 IST
