A controversial statement by Congress MLA Phool Singh Baraiya blaming scriptures for rape of “lower caste” and tribal women has triggered a political firestorm in Madhya Pradesh, with the ruling BJP attacking him for what it termed as deeply “polluted” and “distorted” mindset.
The controversy erupted after Baraiya, a Dalit leader, said in a media interview that some scriptures tend to promote rape against people of certain castes and communities.
Referring to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), the Congress MLA claimed women from these communities are targeted due to what he described as a “distorted belief system” rooted in ancient texts. He cited a book he referred to as Rudrayamal Tantra, alleging that perpetrators believe sexual violence against women of certain castes brings spiritual merit, comparable to undertaking pilgrimages.
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‘Theory of rape’
In the purported video, that has now gone viral, Baraiya said it's a theory that “rape may happen if a person walking on the road comes across a very beautiful girl”.
{{/usCountry}}In the purported video, that has now gone viral, Baraiya said it's a theory that “rape may happen if a person walking on the road comes across a very beautiful girl”.
{{/usCountry}}“The theory of rape is that any man, regardless of the kind of mind he has, may be walking along the road. ‘If he sees a very beautiful girl—extremely beautiful — his brain can get distracted, and then rape can happen’," he said, citing usual rhetoric.
He then questioned why rapes happen with adivasi girls or those who may not be considered “beautiful”.
“Are there any beautiful girls among adivasis? Is there any beautiful girl among Scheduled Castes category? Then why do rapes happen?” he said, speaking in Hindi.
The MLA then went on to suggest that “scriptures promote rapes against women of lower castes”.
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‘Went to libraries, found this clue’: The wilder defence
When questioned by the media over why he made such remarks, Baraiya didn't retract from his statements but gave a defence. He claimed the remarks were not part of the video, suggesting his comments were taken out of context or said off the record.
He maintained that his remarks were based on what he described as extensive personal enquiry: “I went to many places, I observed, I asked questions in many places, I made efforts, I went through many libraries. From there, I found this clue.”
Rejecting allegations of impropriety, he insisted there was nothing indecent in what he said, “No, where is there any indecent comment against women in this? I am standing in favour of women.”
BJP attacks Congress leadership
The Bharatiya Janata Party mounted a fierce attack on the Congress, with Madhya Pradesh BJP media in-charge Ashish Usha Agarwal targeting both Baraiya and the party leadership.
Taking a swipe at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Agarwal said the MLA’s remarks reflected broader acceptance within the Congress.
Calling the remarks an insult to women, he added, “A woman is a goddess, not a political tool. Such insult will not be tolerated. Shame on such a Congress.”