People's Democracy

 AIDWA Demands Apology From PM

ON October 22, the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA)  condemned the trivialisation and sensationalisation of the issue of rape at the BJP’s election rally at Bhopal, addressed by the prime minister. It was perhaps for the first time in the history of our country that a prime minister gave public sanction to such low political standards that damage struggles against the sexual assaults against women and promotes public cynicism. The AIDWA has demanded a public apology from the prime minister for his conduct.

A statement issued by the AIDWA said the increasing violence against women is most definitely an issue that political parties must address. But to exhibit a victim of rape to win votes, as was done at the rally, is to mock at the efforts of women’s organisations to being anti-rape struggle to the political agenda. Along with other women’s organisations, the AIDWA has always supported rape victims who speak out against sexual violence against them and has provided public platforms for them in their struggle for justice. But the BJP’s effort to manipulate the issue and exploit the women concerned for electoral purposes is made clear by the fact that they have not lifted a finger to help the woman they paraded. Her complaint of rape made in 1994 was rejected by the court who convicted the criminals for the murder of her husband while exonerating them of the charge of rape. The AIDWA statement raised the straight forward question: since the BJP knew of the case, why did it not appeal against the court decision and help the woman in her struggle for justice all these years? (INN)