Overview

• Jitu Patwari said women in Madhya Pradesh consume more alcohol than anywhere in India and blamed BJP governments for rising intoxication and drugs.
• NFHS‑5 data show female drinking is highest in Arunachal Pradesh at about 24–26%, with Madhya Pradesh at roughly 1.6%, contradicting Patwari’s claim.
• Chief Minister Mohan Yadav called the remark an insult to women and urged the Congress to apologise, invoking welfare schemes like Ladli Laxmi and Ladli Behna.
• BJP figures including Sudhanshu Trivedi and Hemant Khandelwal condemned the comments as indecent, with some noting the remarks coincided with Teej observances.
• Patwari stood by his broader criticism, citing an unspecified report he linked to the Prime Minister, alleging BJP ties to drug networks, and refusing to apologise while pressing the government on substance‑abuse policy.