While several BJP MLAs were seen laughing during Mr Koli’s remarks, Leader of the Opposition Tika Ram Jully criticized the statement the next day, calling it “discriminatory and inappropriate”. Photo credit: X@mpbskoli
A remark by a ruling BJP MLA in the Rajasthan Assembly, who likened the state budget to the “birth of a boy”, drew protests from women’s groups, social activists and the opposition Congress. Human rights groups submitted a memorandum to Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani demanding action against the lawmaker.
Bahadur Singh Koli, representing Weir constituency in Bharatpur district, said during the budget debate earlier this week that the BJP government’s budget was like the birth of a boy as it was youth-oriented. “In contrast, (former chief minister) Ashok Gehlot’s final budget was like the birth of a girl,” he said.
“We are born a boy, not a girl,” said Mr. Koli. He said that Mr. Gehlot had made populist statements only in the last budget. “So a daughter was born… That’s why you’re sitting in opposition,” he remarked.
While several BJP MLAs were seen laughing during Mr Koli’s remarks, Leader of the Opposition Tika Ram Jully criticized the statement the next day, calling it “discriminatory and inappropriate”. “Gender analogies have no place in a serious budget discussion,” Mr Jully said, demanding an explanation from the ruling party.
Criticism from legal groups
Rights groups condemned Mr Koli’s remarks, saying they were “sexist” and promoted gender inequality. “Such views expressed in the assembly could send a harmful message to society. The preference for sons and the devaluation of daughters have long been responsible for social problems such as femicide, skewed gender ratios and denial of equal opportunities for women and girls,” the activists said.
A memorandum submitted by human rights groups to the speaker of the assembly called on him to take the matter with the utmost seriousness and use his powers to remove the “unparliamentary and derogatory” remarks from the proceedings. It also demanded that Mr Koli be given a stern warning, disciplinary proceedings be initiated against him and the matter referred to the Privileges Committee.
The groups that submitted the memorandum on Wednesday included People’s Union for Civil Liberties, National Federation of Indian Women, Rajasthan University Women’s Association, Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan, Vishakha Mahila Samiti and independent activists.
Published – 19 Feb 2026 21:13 IST