New Delhi: The past year has been politically combustible, not just for elections and alignments, but for what several chief ministers chose to say in public. From comments on women’s safety and religious symbols to casual put-downs about faith and food habits, remarks by sitting CMs repeatedly triggered outrage, protests, and demands for apologies. Here are five of the most talked-about chief ministerial statements of 2025, and why they blew up:
Mamata Banerjee on women going out at night
In early October, following the gang rape of a second-year MBBS student in West Bengal’s Durgapur, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questioned the timing of the survivor’s movements.
“How did she come out of college at 12.30 am? They should not be allowed to go outside. They have to protect themselves also,” she said. Banerjee also urged private colleges to ensure that female students don’t venture out at night.
The remark drew condemnation across party lines and from women’s groups, who accused the chief minister of victim-blaming instead of addressing lapses in safety, policing, and institutional oversight. The opposition demanded an apology, saying the government was deflecting responsibility on law and order.
Bhagwant Mann’s ‘one nation, one husband’ comment
After Operation Sindoor, when the BJP began distributing sindoor (vermillion) to households, the Punjab Chief Minister asked: “Will you put sindoor in [Prime Minister] Modi’s name? Is this a ‘one nation, one husband’ scheme?”
The BJP said he mocked a sacred Hindu symbol and trivialised a military operation tied to martyrdom and national security.
The BJP demanded Mann’s apology and resignation, calling the comment “vulgarity dressed as leadership”. The remark quickly became campaign fodder ahead of the by-polls in the state.
Revanth Reddy on Hindu deities
In December, at a state Congress executive meeting, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy ignited a firestorm with a question on Hindu gods. “How many gods are there in Hinduism? Three crore? … For those who are unmarried there is Hanuman. For those who marry twice another god. For those who drink, another god…”
Opposition parties, including the BJP and BRS, accused him of mocking Hindu deities, hurting religious sentiments and showing a “deep-rooted” bias. Effigies were burnt outside party offices, and demands for an apology intensified debates around communal sensitivity.
Siddaramaiah’s remark to vegetarian journalist
During a breakfast meeting with his deputy DK Shivakumar in December, Karnataka Chief Minister told a female reporter who was “pure vegetarian” that “You are missing something in life.” He had asked the reporter if she liked the chicken that was served.
The off-handed comment was widely criticised as condescending, sparking discussions on respect for personal choices, gendered microaggression, and standards of public decorum expected from constitutional authorities.
Rekha Gupta’s ‘thumbprint’ admission
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta courted controversy in October after she admitted she does not read official files before signing them. “I don’t read files. Wherever he tells me to put my thumb, I do it,” she said, referring to a senior aide.
Opposition leaders seized on the clip as evidence of negligence and abdication of administrative responsibility. Congress called the remark “shocking and disturbing,” questioning Gupta’s competence and saying that it mocked democratic governance.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)