New Delhi, Jan 17 (NationPress) Madhya Pradesh Congress MLA Phool Singh Baraiya has ignited a significant political uproar due to his offensive comments concerning women and rape, leading to severe backlash from the BJP, which is calling for his swift removal from the party.

During a press briefing at the party headquarters in New Delhi, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra vehemently condemned Baraiya's remarks, labeling them as profoundly disrespectful not just to women but also to the essence of humanity and Sanatan values.

Patra also challenged senior Congress leaders for their apparent inaction and silence in response to Baraiya's vulgar and unacceptable comments.

The controversy sparked when Baraiya, in a media interview, made statements associating rape with caste and religious beliefs.

He asserted that women from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes (OBC) are considered “not beautiful” yet are disproportionately victims of such crimes due to a “twisted belief system” stemming from ancient texts.

Citing the book 'Rudrayamal Tantra', he claimed that offenders think that committing sexual violence against women from certain castes would grant them “merit equivalent to undertaking several pilgrimages.”

“Who are the most victims of rape in India? Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs,” Baraiya stated during the interview. “The theory of rape is that if a man, regardless of his mental state, is walking down the road and sees a beautiful girl, it can distract his mind and lead to the act of rape,” he added.

“It is written that by having intercourse with a woman of this caste, you will receive the reward of a pilgrimage. Now, if he can't go on a pilgrimage, then what is the alternative? Have intercourse at home, and you will be rewarded,” Baraiya elaborated.

“He will attempt to rape her by seizing her in the dark or light. A man cannot rape a woman without her consent. That's why even four-month-old and one-year-old girls are victims of rape. He does it for a reward,” Baraiya further stated, leading to widespread outrage across political parties.

In a strong reaction, Patra showcased photographs of Baraiya alongside senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, while addressing the media.

“Congress MLA Phool Singh Baraiya, from Bhander, is regarded as very close to the Gandhi family,” Patra alleged.

“The statements he has made are so embarrassing that I can barely repeat them... He has used extremely offensive language regarding rape,” he asserted.

Quoting Baraiya again, Patra mentioned, “He said, 'Whenever one sees a beautiful woman, then one gets distracted, and incidents like rape can occur,' and when he made these comments, Digvijaya Singh was present but did nothing to intervene.

He claimed, “This individual is an MLA who is closely associated with Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi.”

Patra reiterated that Baraiya's comments were not only misogynistic but also an affront to religious beliefs and essential human values.

“This is an insult not just to Sanatan but also to women and humanity,” Patra emphasized.

The BJP spokesperson urged the Congress leadership to take accountability for the remarks made by its MLA and to act decisively.

He expressed hope that Priyanka Gandhi would step in and ensure action against Baraiya.

“I do not expect anything from Rahul Gandhi as he lacks capability; however, I hope Priyanka Gandhi, who has previously said 'Ladki hoon, lad sakti hoon', will take action against this by evening,” Patra concluded.

“I hope she approaches her mother and requests that this individual be expelled from the party,” he added.