Big Row in Madhya Pradesh: Congress Chief Claims Women Drink the Most, CM Hits Back Hard

Bhopal, August 26, 2025 — A storm erupted in Madhya Pradesh politics on Tuesday after state Congress president Jitu Patwari made a startling claim. He said that women in Madhya Pradesh drink more alcohol than anywhere else in India. His words, delivered at a press conference in Bhopal, quickly spread across social media and TV debates. Within hours, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav strongly condemned the statement and demanded an apology.

This dramatic exchange has once again pushed the state into the center of a heated national discussion on politics, women’s dignity, and the misuse of data.

Patwari’s Bold Claim

Jitu Patwari’s press interaction was aimed at criticizing the BJP government for its alleged failure to control the growing liquor trade and drug menace in Madhya Pradesh. He linked unemployment, social problems, and family distress to what he described as a “government-protected liquor culture.”

Patwari went further and said:

• “Whenever a son returns home drunk or without a job, the fault lies with the BJP, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Mohan Yadav.”
• “In Madhya Pradesh, women consume more liquor than in any other state. Our daughters have even started taking drugs.”

His words shocked many and drew immediate political fire.

Data Reference and Reality

Patwari justified his remarks by referring to the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5). But the actual numbers tell a very different story.

According to NFHS-5:

• Only 1.6% of women in Madhya Pradesh reported drinking alcohol.
• In rural areas, the figure is 2.1%, while in urban areas it is just 0.6%.

In contrast:

• Arunachal Pradesh tops the list with 24% of women consuming alcohol.
• Sikkim comes second with 16%.

Clearly, Madhya Pradesh is nowhere near the highest in the country. Critics say Patwari misrepresented the data, while his supporters argue that he was highlighting the rising trend and not the absolute numbers.

Chief Minister’s Sharp Response

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav did not take the remarks lightly. He called Patwari’s words “humiliating” and “unacceptable.”

In his response, Yadav said:

• “To brand half the population of Madhya Pradesh as alcoholics is an insult to every woman of the state.”
• “Congress leaders never introduced schemes like Ladli Laxmi or Ladli Behna, which empower women. Instead, they are busy making disrespectful comments.”

He demanded that Jitu Patwari withdraw his statement immediately and apologize to the women of Madhya Pradesh. The CM also turned the controversy into an opportunity to showcase the BJP government’s women-centric policies.

Congress vs BJP: A Pattern of Verbal Fights

This controversy is not an isolated incident. Over the past few weeks, Madhya Pradesh politics has seen several heated exchanges.

• Recently, a Congress leader was caught on camera making insulting remarks about beneficiaries of the Ladli Behna Yojana, saying they could be “packed into sacks.” The BJP strongly condemned it, while Congress scrambled to manage the damage.
• In earlier debates, BJP leaders accused Congress of spreading negativity about the state’s progress in sectors like women’s welfare, education, and employment.

Patwari’s latest comments only add fuel to this ongoing war of words.

Social Impact of the Statement

The issue is not just political. It also touches on sensitive social matters.

1. Women’s Dignity: Suggesting that women drink more than anyone else in India paints a damaging picture of their character. Many activists believe such sweeping statements harm the dignity of women who work hard for their families and society.
2. Youth and Drugs: Patwari’s warning about young girls taking drugs has raised alarm. While the data does not confirm this claim, the fact that a senior leader has raised it has put the spotlight on the drug problem in some districts.
3. Perception Battle: In a state where cultural and family values are strongly tied to political identity, the claim could hurt Congress’s image if voters feel their women were insulted.

NFHS-5 Data: What Experts Say

Experts in public health and policy point out that NFHS-5 is a reliable survey but should be read carefully. They say:

• Alcohol consumption in Madhya Pradesh among women is low compared to northeastern states.
• However, the trend of increasing use in some regions is worrying.
• Illegal liquor sales and lack of regulation have been reported from several rural districts.

This means that while Patwari’s numbers were wrong, his underlying point about a growing problem may still need attention.

Political Fallout

Political observers say this controversy will not die down quickly. BJP leaders are already using the remarks to question Congress’s respect for women. Congress, on the other hand, is trying to redirect the debate toward rising unemployment, crime, and liquor mafia networks in the state.

In the coming days, expect:

• BJP rallies highlighting the insult to women.
• Congress leaders defending Patwari and accusing BJP of twisting his words.
• More heated debates on TV channels and social media.

Why This News Matters Nationally

This is not just about Madhya Pradesh. It reflects a larger trend in Indian politics where leaders make strong remarks to attack their rivals but often end up creating social tension. It also shows how data like NFHS-5 can be misused or misquoted to make political points.

For the people of Madhya Pradesh, especially women, the bigger question is whether these debates will lead to better policies or remain just another fight in the endless Congress vs BJP rivalry.