BJP red-faced over rape charges against MP

Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warnings to his MPs to steer clear of controversies, the latest rape charges against BJP MP K C Patel has left the party red-faced.

In a complaint filed with the Delhi Police, the Valsad MP claimed he was being honey trapped by a woman who demanded Rs 5 crore. The woman in turn accused the MP of raping her and has moved a Delhi court to direct the police to file a case against the MP.

BJP leaders recalled the prime minister warning his MPs on many occasions not to entertain unknown persons and get trapped.

They recalled Modi citing Bangaru Laxman's example to specifically caution MPs about sting operations and the extent to which enemies can go to defame the party and the government.  Laxman was caught on camera accepting money by journalists posing as defence contractors during the Vajpayee regime.

With BJP’s winning streak, the leaders think the party has to be extra cautious about traps being laid for them by adversaries. Patel’s case follows the embarrassment the government has to face in January, when the Meghalaya Governor V Shanmuganathan was forced to quit after allegations that he molested a young woman.

Valsad MP K C Patel claimed that he was being honey trapped by a woman who demanded Rs 5 crore.