PATNA: The controversy over an alleged remark by Uttarakhand cabinet minister Rekha Arya’s husband, Girdhari Lal Sahu, that “Bihar girls are available for marriage for Rs 20,000-Rs 25,000” deepened on Saturday with two leaders from Bihar seeking “severe action” against him. The development came amid a protest march by RJD (women cell) workers in Patna, who burned his effigy to register their anger.Tempers flared further when Independent MP from Purnia Pappu Yadav demanded harsh punishment for what he described as “derogatory remarks” against women from Bihar. He alleged that babas and politicians often violated laws with impunity.

“The people must chop off the tongues of persons making derogatory remarks (against women)… Either they should be eliminated with speedy trials or their tongues should be chopped off,” Yadav told the media on Saturday. He alleged that some leaders made such statements for “political gains” while ignoring issues of public concern and poverty.A newly elected legislator from Saharsa, I P Gupta, also reacted strongly, announcing a reward of Rs 10 lakh for anyone who catches the person responsible for the remarks. “I will give a reward of Rs 10 lakh to the person who catches and brings to Bihar the leader from Uttarakhand who made indecent remarks about the women of Bihar,” said Gupta, a first-time MLA.Gupta, who heads the newly launched Indian Inclusive Party, an ally of the INDIA bloc, was elected from the Saharsa assembly constituency and is the lone legislator from his party.Meanwhile, RJD (women cell) activists marched from the party office to IT roundabout during the day, protesting against what they called an insult to women of the state. An effigy of the person at the centre of the controversy was burnt.“The protest is a warning that such comments won’t be tolerated,” RJD spokesperson Sarika Paswan told the media. She alleged that BJP leaders were insulting women and questioned the silence of the party leadership, including newly appointed national working president Nitin Nabin. “The BJP must instantly expel such leaders,” she demanded.The controversy erupted after a video went viral on social media in which Sahu was allegedly seen interacting with a group of young men, asking about their marital status and suggesting marriages could be arranged with “Bihar girls at low cost”.