JOIN USDisturbed by the running political commentary on recent crimes against women, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged lawmakers to desist from “doing psychological analysis” of rape.
“I appeal to our political leaders that we should not carry out psychological analysis of rape... Is it correct to make a statement always? Why can’t we just keep quiet? Respect and security for women should be the topmost priority of the entire people,” Modi said in the Lok Sabha.
Other than seeking an environment that secures and respect women, the newly-elected prime minister, in his maiden speech in Parliament, also for the first time condemned the killing of a young Muslim techie in Pune by a mob led by the Hindu Rashtra Sena.
He even responded to the debates in both Houses on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address in Parliament.
In the Rajya Sabha, he said tourism had taken a hit due to rising incidents of rape in the country, reiterating that leaders should give up politicising left-wing terrorism and rape. A string of rape incidents, particularly in the Budaun district of western Uttar Pradesh, had caused an outrage even among international community.
It even led Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon, to appeal for banishment of the ‘boys will be boys’ attitude that the ruling SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav held, to deflect accusations on the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Modi’s remarks on the horrific incidents came when Yadav was seated in the Lok Sabha.
However, insensitive comments on sexual violence have been made even by leaders of states ruled by the BJP. For instance, Chhattisgarh Home Minister Ramsevak Paikra had on Saturday said, “Such incidents (rapes) do not happen deliberately.
These kind of incidents happen accidentally.” Similarly, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Babulal Gaur had remarked last Thursday, “This is a social crime which depends on men and women. Sometimes it’s right, sometimes it’s wrong.”
Going further, Modi said that women, who constitute 50 per cent of the country’s population, need to become partners in decision-making.
“The recent events in Pune, Uttar Pradesh, and Manali must force all of us to introspect. Corrective measures must be taken,” he said, adding, “The country will not wait for long – our conscience too will not forgive us if we do not act.”