Anandiben Patel Says ‘Kids Elope, Girls Get Pregnant’ if Parents Oppose Relationships; Video Goes Viral

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has triggered a political controversy after remarks she made on love marriages, eloping couples and pregnancies among young women during their studies. The comments, delivered at a university event in Lucknow on Tuesday, quickly went viral and drew sharp criticism online.

What The Governor Said

Speaking at the 24th convocation of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Patel said she was not opposed to love marriages but urged young women to become self reliant before marrying. She said that when parents refuse to approve of a relationship, some couples elope, which she said often results in girls becoming pregnant and having children while still students.

UP Governor Anandiben Patel Sparks Row Over Remarks On Eloping Couples And Teen Pregnancies

Patel added that the responsibility for raising such children frequently ends up falling on the government. She urged young women in the audience not to take such steps, using the Hindi term "parakram," meaning feat or overreach, to describe the behavior she was cautioning against. Mirzapur Police Post Sparks Row After Vulgar, Body Shaming Troll Attacks on Woman SP Aparna Rajat Kaushik.

Political Backlash

Clips of the governor's remarks spread rapidly on social media platforms including X, with several users and political commentators criticizing the language she used. One social media account accused a constitutional office holder of using inappropriate language while addressing students, and the post was widely shared. Babu Gappi Viral Video: Agra YouTuber Apologises to Women Over Objectionable Remarks.

The comments have since become a subject of debate among political circles and commentators in Uttar Pradesh, with critics questioning the appropriateness of such remarks from a governor at an academic event meant to celebrate student achievement.

Clarification On Love Marriage Stance

Amid the backlash, Patel clarified that her remarks were not intended as opposition to love marriages themselves. She said her concern was that some young women make hurried decisions during their education that lead to pregnancy before they are financially or personally independent.

She encouraged students to view themselves as creators rather than mere consumers of technology, a comment she made in the same address before her remarks on relationships drew attention.

Background

Patel, a senior BJP leader who previously served as Chief Minister of Gujarat, has held the position of Uttar Pradesh Governor and is known for speaking candidly on issues involving women, education and self reliance. Her remarks on this occasion were made in the context of a broader address to graduating students at the university convocation.

The controversy adds to a pattern of public statements by Indian political and constitutional figures on issues of gender, marriage and youth behavior that have drawn scrutiny in recent years, often sparking debate over the boundaries of commentary expected from those holding constitutional posts.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 10, 2026 09:23 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).