Chinmayanand case: Cong slams UP govt, questions PM's 'silence'

The Congress on Thursday accused the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh of supporting rape accused former minister Swami Chinmayanand and questioned the "silence" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior women leaders of the ruling party on no action against him.

Congress spokesperson Sharmistha Mukherjee said by taking no action against the accused in the rape case it has become clear that the BJP is standing with Chinmayananda and is not inclined to provide justice to the victim, who has come out in the open with details of the crime.

"This is a very serious issue. It has become very clear that this government has a very non-serious approach to tackle increasing crime against women. The government has a completely blind eye towards crime against women and they are instead protecting their leaders," she told reporters, asking whether this case will also go the way the Unnao rape case has gone.

Congress national secretary Pranav Jha also asked, "Will the prime minister take action against those committing crimes against women or remain silent and sidestep questions raised by the opposition."