Congress MLA Phool Singh Baraiya’s rape remarks spark massive outrage
Indore: A controversial statement made by Madhya Pradesh Congress MLA Phool Singh Baraiya, in which he allegedly blamed “beautiful girls” for rape cases, has triggered widespread outrage and condemnation across political and social circles.
His remarks, made during a media interaction, have been termed misogynistic, casteist and deeply insensitive, with several organisations demanding strict action against him. Speaking to the media, Baraiya went on to make sweeping and highly objectionable claims about sexual violence in India.
He attempted to link rape cases to caste and religion, stating that most rape victims in the country belong to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC).
He further claimed that when a man sees a “beautiful girl” on the road, his mind becomes “unstable,” which, according to him, leads to rape. These remarks have drawn sharp criticism for directly blaming women and normalising sexual violence.
Adding to the controversy, Baraiya cited the ancient text Rudrayamal Tantra and claimed that some perpetrators believe sexual assault against women of certain communities gives them “spiritual merit” equivalent to undertaking a pilgrimage. He alleged that such beliefs encourage crimes, stating that rape is often committed by groups rather than individuals and stems from a “perverted mindset.”
The MLA further elaborated what he described as a “rape theory,” claiming that crimes against women from SC, ST and OBC communities occur because perpetrators believe religious texts justify such acts. He even suggested that people unable to go on pilgrimages commit rape instead, and shockingly claimed that such crimes are also committed against children under similar beliefs.
These statements have been widely condemned as dangerous, baseless and deeply offensive. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and several social organisations launched scathing attacks on Baraiya, accusing him of promoting criminal thinking and insulting women and marginalised communities.
BJP leaders said his comments reflect a “distorted and criminal mindset” and amount to justifying heinous crimes. They also alleged that portraying sexual violence against Dalit and tribal women as a “sacred act” exposes deep-rooted misogyny and anti-Dalit thinking.
“This is not just an irresponsible statement but a direct assault on humanity, women’s dignity and constitutional values,” BJP leaders said, demanding Baraiya’s immediate expulsion from the Congress party. Women’s rights groups and civil society organisations have also called for legal action, stating that such remarks embolden perpetrators and silence survivors.
As the controversy intensifies, pressure is mounting on the Congress leadership to clarify its stand and take disciplinary action. The incident has reignited debates on victim-blaming, caste-based violence and the need for responsible discourse by elected representatives, with many asserting that such statements undermine efforts to combat sexual violence in the country.
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