"I Don't Allow Selfies With Girls in Short Dresses": BJP Minister's Controversial Dress Code Remarks

Bhopal – Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya is no stranger to controversy, and he’s back in the headlines—this time for doubling down on his stance against women wearing short dresses, calling it a "Western concept" that clashes with Indian traditions.

The BJP leader, who holds key portfolios including Urban Development and Housing, made the remarks during a tree-planting event in Indore. While launching the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, he veered into cultural commentary, insisting that Indian women should dress modestly because they are "regarded as Goddesses."

"I don't like women wearing short dresses," the Urban Development Minister stated bluntly. "Many times girls come for selfies, but I clearly tell them to wear good clothes. I don't allow selfies otherwise."

Vijayvargiya didn’t stop there. He dragged in a Western saying—"A leader who speaks less is like a woman who wears less"—only to dismiss it, declaring that Indian ideals celebrate women in elegant attire, jewellery, and makeup, not "minimal clothing."

The problem? This isn’t his first time policing women’s wardrobes.

In 2023, the minister compared women in "bad dresses" to Shurpanakha (Ramayana’s demoness), triggering a massive backlash. Now, his latest remarks have reignited the debate—tradition vs. personal freedom—with critics slamming him for pushing regressive stereotypes.

The Trinamool Congress didn’t hold back, sharing his video on X with a scathing post:
"Same minister. Same misogyny. When will PM Modi act? Is belittling women now BJP’s unofficial policy?"

While Vijayvargiya claims his views are rooted in culture, many argue they’re outdated and restrictive. Social media is split—some back his "traditional values," while others ask: Why should men dictate what women wear?

As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: India’s clash between tradition and modern identity isn’t going away—and neither are Vijayvargiya’s controversial takes.