BJP's Approach to Crime and Women's Safety: A Critical Analysis
In recent days, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a major Indian political party, has been in the spotlight due to the expulsion of former Uttarakhand minister Vinod Arya and the tragic incident involving his son, Pulkit Arya. This article delves into the broader implications of such incidents, shedding light on the party's stance towards crime and women's safety.
Context and Background
On October 22, 2023, Vinod Arya, a high-profile member of the BJP, was expelled from the party for the alleged killing of a 19-year-old receptionist, Ankita Bhandari, at his resort in Rishikesh. This action by the BJP has raised eyebrows and questions about the party's approach to political accountability and the rule of law.
A Double Standard in Political Accountability
The BJP's decision to expel Vinod Arya is being met with criticism due to the party's apparent double standard. Despite the alleged involvement of Ajay Singh Teni, a Member of State (MoS) Home, in mowing down protesters in Lakhimpur Kheri, the BJP has neither expelled nor dismissed him. This inconsistency has fueled skepticism and anger among the public, questioning the party's commitment to upholding moral and legal standards.
Crimes Against Women and the BJP's Stance
The incident involving Pulkit Arya has reignited debates about the BJP's stance on crimes against women. States under BJP governance, such as Madhya Pradesh (MP), have frequently ranked among the highest in rape cases in the country. According to the National Crime Bureau Report for 2018, MP registered 5,433 rape cases out of a total of 33,356 cases nationwide. This continued trend of high rape incidents in states under BJP governance has raised serious questions about the party's commitment to women's safety and rights.
CPIML’s Beti Bachao Abhiyan and its Impact
While the BJP has implemented the Beti Bachao Abhiyan program (Save the Girl Child) since 2011 in Madhya Pradesh, its effectiveness has been questioned. According to the NCRB report for 2021, MP reported the highest number of rapes at 6,462 cases. This stark contrast between the party's initiatives and the ongoing challenges in women's safety suggests that more needs to be done than just implementing programs.
Unfavorable Views of BJP on Women's Rights
The actions of BJP leaders in different states have contributed to a growing feeling of hypocrisy regarding gender equality. Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat, for example, sparked controversy over his comments on women wearing ripped jeans. Additionally, the actions of Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, who opposed women's quotas, highlight a systemic issue within the BJP. These leaders' comments and actions further underscore the party's shortcomings in promoting women's rights and gender equality.
High-Ranked BJP Members and Rape Cases
The recent Kathua rape case in Jammu and Kashmir and the Unnao rape case, both involving BJP ministers, have further damaged the BJP's reputation. The involvement of BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case and the subsequent release of convicted rapists from jails have led to intense public scrutiny of the party's handling of such incidents. These cases have raised serious doubts about the BJP's ability to hold its members accountable for crimes against women.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the actions and inactions of BJP leaders, particularly in cases involving crimes against women, raise significant concerns about the party's commitment to upholding justice and ensuring women's safety. The continuous high number of rape cases in states under BJP governance and the party's mixed signals on gender issues highlight a need for a more robust and consistent approach.
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Beti Bachao Abhiyan in Madhya Pradesh Rape Cases in Madhya Pradesh Covering Crimes Against Women- The Author