Sexist Remarks Against Women By Spiritual Leaders, Cleric Spark Uproar In UP

Last Updated:July 30, 2025, 04:55 IST

Political analysts say the controversies could influence voter sentiment, especially among women and youth, ahead of the 2027 state elections

In a state where women constitute nearly half the electorate, repeated sexist remarks by influential figures risk alienating a significant voter base, said political analyst Dr Shashikant Pandey. Representational pic/PTI

Uttar Pradesh, India’s most politically decisive state, has found itself at the centre of a storm over a string of derogatory remarks by religious leaders targeting women. In the past fortnight, two prominent Hindu preachers from Vrindavan and a Muslim cleric have come under fire for their misogynistic comments—sparking outrage on social media, triggering FIRs, and drawing sharp reactions from citizens, activists, and political leaders alike.

The controversies have not only shaken devotees who revere these figures but also reignited a debate over gender equality, the responsibility of spiritual leaders, and the continued hold of patriarchal attitudes in Indian society.

Remarks from Vrindavan Saints

The chain of events began in Vrindavan, Mathura district, where a video of well-known Hindu preacher Aniruddhacharya, born Aniruddh Ram Tiwari in Jabalpur, went viral. In the footage, believed to be from a recent event, the 36-year-old religious orator advised early marriage for women, adding a controversial comment: “Ladki laate hain 25 saal ki. Ab 25 saal ki ladki chaar jagah muh maar chuki hoti hai (“Men are bringing wives who are 25. By then these girls have been with many men)."

Though Aniruddhacharya later apologised via a video message on Saturday, insisting that his words were “twisted" and that he had said “not all, but some women", the damage was done. Critics accused him of maligning young women, particularly those pursuing higher education or careers, and reinforcing toxic stereotypes about their character.

Soon after, another video surfaced—this time featuring Premanand Maharaj, a revered Vrindavan-based saint known for his devotional teachings. In the clip, Maharaj claimed that “hardly two-four girls out of 100 are pure" in today’s time. He went on to say that women with multiple relationships lose the “courage to accept a husband", adding that men too become adulterous if they have been with several women before marriage.

The remarks from the two spiritual leaders, both influential voices in Vrindavan—often regarded as the heartland of Hindu devotion—left many devotees disturbed. While some supporters defended them as being misquoted or speaking in context, the majority of reactions online branded the statements as “insulting," “narrow-minded," and “a betrayal of true spirituality".

A woman from Lucknow, deeply upset after watching the videos, said: “Girls are striving hard to win medals in every field—education, sports, science, and cultural activities. I wish Maharajji had advice for men who molest and rape girls. How can there be gender equality when saints themselves hold such a poor opinion about us?"

The Muslim Cleric Row

Even before the Vrindavan storm had subsided, another controversy erupted when Maulana Sajid Rashidi, president of the All India Imam Association, made offensive comments against Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav during a television debate. Rashidi criticised Yadav, who attended a mosque event in Delhi with her husband, Akhilesh Yadav, for not covering her head.

Citing a photograph from the event, Rashidi said, “Look at her back. It is naked."

The remark—made on a public platform—was widely condemned as indecent and anti-women. Samajwadi Party leader Pravesh Yadav lodged a complaint at the Vibhutikhand police station in Lucknow, alleging the comments were not just an insult to Dimple Yadav but to all women.

An FIR was registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including 79 (outraging the modesty of women), 196 (promoting enmity between groups), 299 (hurting religious sentiments), and 352 (intentional insult).

The BJP, seizing the opportunity, staged a massive protest outside Parliament, demanding accountability. “We won’t tolerate insults to a female MP," said several BJP MPs. However, Dimple Yadav herself questioned the BJP’s sincerity, asking why they had not protested against incidents of violence against women in Manipur.

Voices of Indignation and Support for Women

Public anger was palpable across Uttar Pradesh. On social media, hashtags condemning the saints and the cleric trended for days. Many pointed to the irony of spiritual leaders—entrusted with guiding moral values—becoming sources of regressive discourse.

Social commentator Praveen Kumar Sethi summed up the mood: “Definitely derogatory remarks against women—whether by politicians, commoners, or acharyas—are unacceptable. A true saint would never speak lightly about them. It’s an irony that some so-called saints, who should embody compassion and wisdom, are the ones spreading regressive views. When those meant to uplift society begin to degrade it—especially by targeting women—it’s a betrayal of true spirituality."

Women’s rights activists also raised concerns that such statements reinforce societal bias against unmarried women and discourage them from pursuing careers or education. They called for stricter laws to prevent hate speech against women, even if delivered under the guise of religious discourse.

Political Ripples in UP

The series of incidents has taken a political turn. The Samajwadi Party, while strongly defending Dimple Yadav, also highlighted the larger issue of misogyny. Senior leader Awadhesh Prasad lashed out, saying, “Only a madman can make such remarks. These saints and clerics must remember that their words impact millions of minds."

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), sensing an opportunity, projected itself as a defender of women’s dignity but was accused by rivals of selective outrage. The Congress too demanded accountability, with state leaders saying that “both saffron saints and Muslim clerics are equally guilty of degrading women".

Political analysts say the controversies could influence voter sentiment, especially among women and youth, ahead of the 2027 state elections. Dr Shashikant Pandey, head of the political science department at Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, said, “In a state where women constitute nearly half the electorate, repeated sexist remarks by influential figures risk alienating a significant voter base. Politicians across the spectrum are aware of the stakes, which is why reactions have been strong and immediate."

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