CM Yadav Condemns Congress MLA Baraiya’s Remarks on SC/ST Women; Says LoP Rahul Gandhi Should Take Action

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and other BJP leaders on Saturday strongly criticised senior Congress MLA Phool Singh Baraiya over his alleged controversial remarks linking religious scriptures to the assault of women from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities.

The controversy erupted after a video clip surfaced on social media in which Baraiya is purportedly heard claiming that certain religious scriptures suggest that assaulting women from SC/ST communities could grant spiritual merit equivalent to undertaking a pilgrimage. While he did not name any specific religion, the remarks drew sharp criticism for appearing to justify sexual violence and making caste-based assertions.

Reacting to the comments, Chief Minister Yadav said Baraiya, being a senior member of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, should refrain from making such statements against any religion or caste. “Phool Singh Baraiya’s statement is condemnable. As a senior MLA, he should avoid making such controversial remarks,” Yadav told reporters on Saturday.

Targeting the Congress, the Chief Minister alleged that the party has consistently created disruption in society. Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Madhya Pradesh, Yadav said, “Rahul Gandhi is in the state today, and we expect him to advise his party leaders not to disturb social harmony.”

Yadav further stated that Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi should take strict action against Baraiya, including removing him from the party, to demonstrate that the Congress treats people of all castes equally.

According to information, Baraiya, an MLA from Bhind, made the alleged remarks during a recent interview with a local media channel, a portion of which surfaced on social media on Friday.

In the video, Baraiya is also heard claiming that most rape cases in India occur among SC/ST communities and the Most Other Backward Classes (MOBC). He goes on to suggest that sexual violence stems from distorted interpretations of religious teachings, alleging that scriptures offer alternative means, including sexual relations with women of certain castes, to attain spiritual merit.

The remarks have caused embarrassment for the Congress, particularly as they surfaced during Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Madhya Pradesh, where he was scheduled to meet families affected by water contamination in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area.

— IANS