Phool Singh Baraiya: Phool Singh Baraiya, the Congress MLA from Bhander (SC) constituency in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, has equalled rapes to religious scriptures of India. These comments drew widespread condemnation across party lines.
In a recorded social media interview, Baraiya is heard claiming that specific religious scriptures of India suggest that assaulting women from Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) communities could grant the same level of spiritual merit like undertaking a religious pilgrimage.
BJP Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala has asked Congress senior leader Priyanka Gandhi if the comments of her party leader were acceptable to her. Poonawala also added that Congress is synonym to bad mouthing against women and Hindu religion.
Phool Singh Baraiya-What Did He Said?
Baraiya remarked that most rape cases in the country happen among ST, SC and most other backward classes. The Congress MLA then went on to suggest that scriptures allegedly provide “alternative options” involving sexual relations with SC, ST or Most Other Backward Classes (MOBC) to receive spiritual rewards.
Baraiya went on to remark that sexual assaults against children and young infants are driven by misguided belief systems instead of physical factors or consent.
Reaction Of Opposition Parties
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have demanded immediate and stringent actions against the bad-mouthed MLA. BJP accused Baraiya of promoting dangerous narratives that insult marginalized communities and trivialize sexual violence. Several Dalit organizations and women’s rights activities have also condemned the remarks, calling for accountability and legal scrutiny. Social media users blasted the comments of Baraiya saying that they are disgusting and in bad taste against women and minorities of the country.
Senior party leaders in Congress have privately acknowledged that the statements made by Baraiya were indefensible and contrary to the stated positions of the Congress Party on social equality and gender justice. Many believe that the party would soon seek an explanation from the Bhander vidhansabha MLA.