Cong accuses BJP for seeing Kathua, Unnao rape cases through 'prism of religion'

The Congress today accused the BJP of viewing the Kathua and Unnao rape cases through the "prism of religion" and demanded sacking of the Uttar Pradesh chief minister.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi noted that the Kathua and Unnao incidents cannot be termed as "normal cases" and said these have shamed the nation.

The BJP cannot belittle the fight of women for equality and dignity, the party said.

Singhivi also criticised BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi for saying she has chosen to look at incidents such as the Kathua and Unnao cases through the "prism of religion".

"I strongly condemn the party, which sees even rape on religious and class lines. The person, the party, and the government that looks at rape through the prism of class and religion, has to be criticised," he said, adding it shows the BJP's "regressive mindset.

The Congress on Twitter said, "BJP's MP Meenakshi Lekhi's insensitive remark is an insult to Indian citizens standing up for their rights. Her statement reflects her party's regressive ideology. She must take back her words and apologize immediately."
Questioning the silence of Modi, Singhvi said, "The prime minister, Uttar Pradesh chief minister (Yogi Adityanath) and Jammu and Kashmir chief minister (Mehbooba Mufti) have to speak the truth and the time has arrived for that."
Criticising the government's claim of amending the POCSO Act to grant death penalty to rape convicts, he said, "Suddenly the Modi government is talking about reforms in the POCSO Act? Did it not know this for the last four years."