Priyanka, Rahul backing those protecting rape accused: BJP

The BJP on Saturday hit out at Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her poll campaign in Rae Bareli, saying they are not with the people of Uttar Pradesh but "with those accused of rape and murder and those who protect them".

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s National Secretary Shrikant Sharma referred to the rape charge against Gayatri Prajapati, Transport Minister in the Akhilesh Yadav-led SP government in Uttar Pradesh and SP candidate Arun Verma, booked for murder of a woman who had accused him of raping her, and alleged that Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have not spoken on the allegations.

"She (Priyanka) and Rahul Gandhi are not with the people of Uttar Pradesh but with those accused of rape and murder and those who protect them," he alleged.

Sharma also referred to Priyanka Gandhi's attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during her rally in Rae Bareli.

"It is unfortunate that Priyanka and Rahul targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi but have not said anything on the serious charges against Verma," Sharma said.

Priyanka said that the people of Uttar Pradesh do not want to "adopt him (Modi)", as there is no dearth of leaders in the state.

Referring to Modi's Thursday speech in Barabanki, where he had said he felt honoured to be the "adopted son of Uttar Pradesh", Priyanka said that "Uttar Pradesh does not want to adopt an outsider".

Sharma attacked the SP government in the state for crimes in the state, including those against women.

The BJP leaders in Lucknow also lashed out at Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav for not acting against Prajapati, who is contesting the assembly polls from Amethi.

--IANS

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