BJP criticizes Congress over accusations against its leaders

The Bharatiya Janata Party accused the Congress party of having double standards on women's safety and empowerment. BJP Member of Parliament Bansuri Swaraj made these statements at a press conference on Saturday. She pointed out that the Congress party talks about women's rights while staying silent on misconduct allegations against its own members.

Specific Cases Mentioned

Ms. Swaraj highlighted three separate cases involving Congress figures. She named Jharkhand Congress MLA Bhushan Bara, who faces accusations of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old tribal girl. She also referred to Vimal Akoijam, facing sexual harassment allegations in Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Uttarakhand leader Harak Singh Rawat, who was earlier accused of rape by a woman from Assam. The woman in this case has demanded a DNA test on her son after claiming she became pregnant from the alleged abuse. All three accused leaders have denied the claims against them.

Party Leadership and Context

Ms. Swaraj questioned the silence of senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and party president Mallikarjun Kharge. She contrasted this with the BJP government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which she stated is empowering women to be self-reliant. She also noted that the allegations against Mr. Bara surfaced around the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, calling the situation shameful for a tribal area.

Context

Political parties in India frequently hold press conferences to target opponents over legal and ethical controversies involving their members. Such exchanges often spike around key cultural dates, elections, or national anniversaries. Allegations of misconduct against public figures are subject to police investigation and legal due process through the courts.