Congress MLA Sparks Outrage With Casteist Remarks On Rape
A senior Congress MLA from Madhya Pradesh, Phool Singh Baraiya, has sparked significant outrage following a series of deeply offensive and casteist remarks concerning rape. In a widely circulated video, Mr Baraiya presented a theory suggesting men commit rape when distracted by a womans beauty.
He controversially added that Dalit, Adivasi, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Other Backward Class women, despite not being considered beautiful, are still raped due to alleged scriptural references. He quoted a passage suggesting intercourse with a woman of a certain caste could offer the reward of a pilgrimage. Furthermore, Mr Baraiya asserted that a man cannot rape a woman without her consent.
These comments, which surfaced during an interview, quickly went viral, prompting widespread condemnation across the political spectrum. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded strict action, with spokesperson Sambit Patra calling for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to sack the MLA. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav condemned the statements as "poisonous and socially divisive".
While the Congress party has distanced itself, stating the remarks reflect Mr Baraiyas personal views and asking him for clarification, the MLA has reportedly refused to retract his statements, continuing to justify them amidst the ongoing controversy.