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The MLA claimed he had been a witness to several incidents from Gadariya’s life and said he had met him both in jail and in the forests.
BJP MLA Pritam Lodhi (Credits: X)
A controversy erupted in Madhya Pradesh’s Shivpuri district on Sunday after BJP MLA Pritam Lodhi garlanded a portrait of former Chambal dacoit Rambabu Gadariya at a function organised to mark the birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar.
The programme, organised by the Pal-Baghel community in Pichhore town, featured portraits of both Ahilyabai Holkar and Gadariya on the stage. Lodhi, who attended the event as the chief guest, paid floral tributes to both.
While Ahilyabai Holkar is revered as one of India’s most respected rulers and is remembered for her administrative acumen and philanthropic contributions, the decision to honour Gadariya’s portrait triggered criticism and sparked a political row.
Addressing the gathering, Lodhi described Gadariya as his “companion in happiness and sorrow” and said he had closely witnessed the struggles he faced in life. The BJP legislator argued that “society and circumstances” had pushed Gadariya towards a life of crime.
He further said that had such adverse circumstances not arisen, Gadariya “would not have become a dacoit”. Lodhi also maintained that “criminals and dacoits are also human beings” and there was a need to understand the situations that shaped their lives.
The MLA claimed he had been a witness to several incidents from Gadariya’s life and said he had met him both in jail and in the forests. He also expressed support for Gadariya’s family and reiterated his commitment to the community.
“I knew his situation very closely. Certain people in society harassed him so much that he was forced to become a dacoit. Otherwise, Rambabu was never destined to become one,” he said.
“I remember everything about him,” Lodhi said. “From jail to the jungles, we met everywhere. We crossed paths in prison, and we crossed paths in the forests,” he added.
The incident drew criticism from several quarters, with many questioning the appropriateness of honouring a former criminal at an event dedicated to Ahilyabai Holkar, one of the most respected historical figures in India.
Congress’ local unit president Sahab Singh Kushwah condemned the move, saying it was unacceptable to place the portrait of a “notorious criminal” alongside that of a revered historical icon.
“Society remembers such icons to inspire people to follow in their footsteps. By garlanding the photograph of a criminal, what message does the legislator intend to convey? Does he want people to regard criminals as role models?” Kushwah said.
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