BJP Slams Congress Over 'Double Standards' on Women's Safety
BJP Mahila Morcha protests in Shimla, accusing Congress of double standards regarding women's safety and Rahul Gandhi's silence on harassment cases.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Mahila Morcha launched a fierce protest in Shimla on Saturday, accusing the Congress party of maintaining a hypocritical stance regarding women's dignity and safety. Demonstrators gathered outside the Congress headquarters to demand accountability and question the leadership's silence on internal allegations of sexual harassment.
Allegations of Hypocrisy and Silence
The protest in Himachal Pradesh is part of a larger nationwide demonstration by the BJP's women's wing. Daisy Thakur, the state president of the BJP Mahila Morcha in Himachal Pradesh, stated that the organization is standing in solidarity with female students and women who have come forward to report harassment.
Thakur pointed out a stark contradiction in the Congress party's public messaging. "Congress has double standards when it comes to women's dignity and safety," Thakur told the media. She noted that while the party publicly advocates for women's empowerment and Rahul Gandhi encourages women to "smash the patriarchy" and speak out, the party remains silent when victims seek justice against individuals associated with the Congress.
The JNU Professor Controversy
A central point of the protest involved a sexual harassment case involving a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). According to Thakur, female students lodged a complaint with the university's Internal Complaints Committee in May, which led to the professor's dismissal after the allegations were substantiated.
While the BJP Mahila Morcha welcomed the university's decision, they questioned the political response. "We welcome the action taken in the case and are glad that the women have received justice. However, the question is why Rahul Gandhi and the Congress leadership have remained silent on the issue," Thakur remarked.
Demanding Accountability for Leaders
The BJP Mahila Morcha is demanding that the Congress clarify what disciplinary actions are taken against its own Members of Parliament (MPs) when they face allegations of misconduct toward women. Thakur also highlighted an incident involving a woman police officer who was allegedly handled inappropriately during a demonstration related to the "Deep Talks" issue, citing it as a further example of the lack of respect for women in official capacities.
When asked about the Congress party's focus on women's safety issues in Manipur, Thakur argued that the issues should be treated independently. She stated that resolving one issue should not be used as a shield to ignore or deflect from others. "The argument that one case should be overlooked because another has been addressed is not acceptable," she asserted.
The peaceful protest concluded with the burning of an effigy to symbolize the anger and resentment felt by the demonstrators. The BJP Mahila Morcha has vowed to continue its protests until the Congress provides clarity and demonstrates true accountability regarding the safety and dignity of women.