Mumbai/IBNS, Oct. 17 -- In a controversial remark, Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Gopichand Padalkar has appealed to all Hindu women to avoid gyms out of concern for their safety citing the unknown background of the trainers and other staff.

Without taking any name, the Jat MLA accused members of another community of luring women.

Padalkar had referred to the "love jihad" cases claiming members of the other community are targeting Hindu women and befriending them.

He called it a "Jihad mindset".

The BJP leader has also asked the authorities to remain alert over outsiders entering the college premises.

Though the remark has drawn sharp criticisms with some accusing Padalkar of creating a communal divide, the MLA is yet t...