The Congress on March 26 alleged that 44 MPs and MLAs from the BJP face serious charges of rape and sexual harassment, accusing the ruling party of shielding the accused.
At a press conference, All India Mahila Congress president Alka Lamba said these cases reveal a pattern where leaders and associates receive protection instead of facing accountability. She said the issue raises concerns about commitment to women’s safety.
Lamba cited an alleged case in Goa involving the son of a BJP councillor, accused of abusing 20 to 30 minor girls over three years. She said the case emerged after families approached authorities, leading to action under the POCSO Act.
She also referred to a case in Maharashtra involving Ashok Kharat, accused of exploiting women and recording videos. The matter gained attention after a video surfaced involving a state women’s commission functionary, who later resigned.
Lamba listed other cases, including the Ankita Bhandari murder in Uttarakhand and the Unnao rape case involving former MLA K.S.Sengar. She also mentioned allegations by women wrestlers against former MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
She raised cases involving a BJP MLA in Himachal Pradesh and former Haryana minister Sandeep Singh. She also questioned political support to Prajwal Revanna and raised concerns over statements by Subramanian Swamy.Citing 1,686 cases of crimes against women in Varanasi, she called for stronger accountability and action.