MP Congress MLA's Controversial Remarks Spark Immediate Backlash
Madhya Pradesh Congress MLA Phool Singh Baraiya ignited a major controversy on Saturday. He made statements linking women's beauty to rape incidents. Baraiya also associated sexual crimes against women from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes with what he called "teerth phal" or rewards of pilgrimage.
The timing proved particularly sensitive. Baraiya's comments emerged while Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi visited Indore. Gandhi was there addressing the water contamination tragedy in the city.
What Exactly Did the MLA Say?
In a viral video interview, Baraiya made several explosive claims. He stated that India sees the highest number of rapes against women from SC, ST, and Most Backward Classes. The MLA from Bhander in Datia district then presented a disturbing theory.
"If a man walks on the road and sees a beautiful girl, his mind may get distracted," Baraiya said. "Then rape can happen." He questioned what "extremely beautiful" women existed among tribal, Dalit, and OBC communities.
Baraiya went further. He claimed rapes against these women occur because "such instructions exist in their religious scriptures." When pressed by a reporter to identify these scriptures, he failed to provide a clear answer.
The MLA then interpreted a Sanskrit verse. He said it suggested physical relations with women of "certain castes" yield pilgrimage rewards. "If he cannot go on pilgrimage, what option remains?" Baraiya asked rhetorically. "By having intercourse with their women, one gets that fruit."
Swift Condemnation and Political Reactions
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav quickly condemned the remarks. Speaking to reporters in Bhopal, Yadav said Baraiya's statement "poisons society" and spreads social hatred.
"I hope Rahul Gandhi expels him from the party," the Chief Minister stated. "This would show Gandhi respects other sections of society. I condemn this statement strongly. As an MLA, Baraiya bears responsibility to avoid such remarks."
BJP leaders joined the criticism. Ashish Usha Agrawal, the party's Madhya Pradesh media in-charge, shared the viral video on social media platform X. He demanded Baraiya's immediate expulsion from the Congress.
"Weighing women on a scale of beauty and calling rape against SC-ST women 'pilgrimage rewards' shows a criminal mindset," Agrawal said. "This is shameful misogyny and anti-Dalit sentiment. It attacks humanity itself."
BJP leaders also noted Baraiya was seen with Rahul Gandhi in Indore. They questioned this association given the MLA's controversial statements.
The MLA's U-Turn and Justification Attempt
Facing mounting pressure, Baraiya performed a complete U-turn. He attributed his controversial statements to Harimohan Jha, head of the philosophy department in Bihar.
In a video message, the embattled MLA said, "I quoted his statement in a certain context. I myself do not agree with it. I merely cited it by taking its reference."
This marked a sharp reversal. Earlier, Baraiya had put up a brave front, claiming he stood by his comments. He said his statement served the interest of 40 crore women from SC and ST communities. The MLA insisted his remarks had nothing to do with the Congress party or Rahul Gandhi personally.
Speaking to reporters later, Baraiya tried another justification. He cited the verse "Chandali tu swayam Kashi" (Chandali girl is Kashi herself). He claimed this appears in "Rudrayamal Tantra."
"When SC and ST women are raped, even two-year-old girls, should I just sit quietly?" Baraiya asked reporters. "I stand in support of approximately 35-40 crore women facing injustice."
Congress Party's Official Response
Congress leaders distanced themselves from Baraiya's comments. Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari addressed reporters in Indore. He stated rape cannot be linked to caste, religion, or sect.
"NCRB data shows more than 22 rapes occur daily in Madhya Pradesh," Patwari noted. "This concerns all of us. It represents government and home ministry failure. We need positive discussion on protecting our sisters."
Patwari clarified Baraiya's statement reflected his personal opinion only. "The Congress Party does not agree with such statements," he emphasized. "We have asked him for clarification regarding this matter."
The controversy continues to unfold as political reactions pour in from across party lines.
