Congress MLA's Foul Remark on Rape Sparks Outrage; Priyanka Gandhi's Silence Questioned

• Congress MLA Phool Singh Baraiya stated that 'seeing a beautiful girl can distract the mind and lead to rape,' drawing widespread condemnation.
• Critics argue Baraiya's statement promotes 'victim-blaming' and normalizes rape, shifting responsibility from perpetrator to victim.
• The article highlights that rape is a crime of 'power and control,' not beauty, citing cases of child and elderly victims and domestic perpetrators.
• Past instances of leaders making derogatory remarks about rape, like Mulayam Singh Yadav's 'boys will be boys,' are recalled.
• The author questions Priyanka Gandhi's silence, given her 'Ladki Hoon Lad Sakti Hoon' campaign, and calls for strict action beyond just an apology from Congress.

Why It Matters: Congress MLA's victim-blaming rape remark sparks outrage, challenging party's stance on women's safety.