The Congress raised concerns on January 1 about the lack of response from top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, regarding the arrest of three office-bearers of the BJP’s IT cell. These individuals have been accused of raping a Banaras Hindu University (BHU) student on the campus in November.
All India Mahila Congress (AIMC) president Netta D’Souza, accompanied by party leader Dolly Sharma, addressed a press conference and pointed out that the three accused—Kunal Pandey, Abhishek Chauhan, and Sakhsham Patel—were actively involved in the BJP’s IT cell.
Ms. D’Souza questioned the silence of Mr. Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani, especially after their photographs with the accused rapists were made public. She highlighted the influence the accused have and expressed concern over the delay in their arrest, as well as their involvement in the BJP’s election campaign while living in Madhya Pradesh.
“Will the Prime Minister break his silence since this is a matter of his constituency, Banaras? Will Smriti Irani make the time to visit the family of the victim?” asked Ms. D’Souza. She also alleged that previous incidents involving BJP leaders accused of crimes against women have been protected.
Ms. Sharma added, “Prime Minister ji, as the MP from Banaras, we will ask you questions. Who protected the rapists for two months? How did they reach Madhya Pradesh? Why has [Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister] Yogi Adityanath not sent bulldozers to the homes of these rapists?”
“Like Bilkis Bano rapists were freed and garlanded, will these boys be garlanded as well? Don’t the women leaders of BJP feel the pain?” she asked.