BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar sparked controversy on Thursday by urging Hindu college girls to practice Yoga at home rather than going to gyms, claiming there was a “big conspiracy” targeting them.
Addressing a gathering in Beed district, Maharashtra, Padalkar, without naming anyone, implied that members of another community were attempting to lure women. “It is my earnest request to Hindu girls not to go to gyms where you don’t know who the trainer is. Better you perform Yoga at home. You don’t know how big this conspiracy is,” he said. He advised girls to exercise at home instead of visiting gymnasiums.
Padalkar also suggested stricter monitoring of youths visiting colleges. “Youth visiting colleges without identification details should be spotted and restricted from entering. We need to create a strong deterrence,” he added.
