Shimla, October 10:
The Bharatiya Janata Party Mahila Morcha, Himachal Pradesh, under the leadership of its State President Daisy Thakur, staged a massive protest outside the Congress office on Cart Road in Shimla, raising strong slogans against the Congress leadership over allegations of sexual harassment involving Congress MP from Manipur and Jawaharlal Nehru University professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam.
During the demonstration, a large number of women workers raised slogans against the Congress Party and burnt effigies of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, expressing their anger over the allegations of sexual harassment reportedly made by 11 women and the subsequent dismissal of the professor from Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Addressing the protest, BJP Mahila Morcha State President Daisy Thakur said that the allegations against a sitting Congress Member of Parliament were extremely serious and demanded an immediate response from the Congress high command. She said that the dignity, safety and respect of women must remain above political considerations and that no political party should shield individuals facing serious allegations of misconduct.
Daisy Thakur said that Rahul Gandhi frequently speaks about women’s empowerment, dignity and constitutional rights, but the Congress leadership must demonstrate the same commitment when serious allegations emerge against its own representatives.
Rahul Gandhi must explain why the Congress Party has not taken decisive organisational action against its MP despite such serious allegations. If the allegations are established, the Congress leadership must immediately expel the MP from the party. Women’s dignity cannot be compromised for political convenience,she said.
The Mahila Morcha President alleged that the Congress Party’s response to such controversies exposed its double standards on women’s safety and empowerment. She said that Congress leaders regularly make public statements about protecting women, but their commitment must be judged by the action they take when allegations arise within their own organisation.
Daisy Thakur also referred to media footage concerning an alleged confrontation involving Rahul Gandhi and a woman police personnel. She alleged that the visuals raised serious questions about the conduct of senior Congress leaders towards women performing their official duties.
She said that elected representatives and senior political leaders have a special responsibility to maintain dignity and restraint in public life. She demanded that Rahul Gandhi clarify the circumstances surrounding the reported incident.
Respect for women cannot be limited to speeches and political slogans. It must be reflected in conduct, decisions and accountability. The Congress leadership owes an explanation to the women of this country,Daisy Thakur said.
She further stated that allegations of sexual harassment must be investigated fairly, transparently and without political interference. She demanded that the complainants receive appropriate protection and that anyone found guilty face strict action in accordance with the law.
Daisy Thakur said that the BJP Mahila Morcha would continue to raise its voice against injustice, harassment and discrimination faced by women. She emphasised that women’s dignity and safety were matters of national importance and should never be subjected to political double standards.
She also questioned the Congress leadership over its organisational response to the allegations and demanded that Rahul Gandhi publicly clarify the party’s position on the matter.
The BJP Mahila Morcha will not remain silent whenever the dignity and safety of women are at stake. We demand accountability, justice and decisive action in every case involving allegations of harassment or misconduct, she added.
The protest witnessed enthusiastic participation by women workers, who raised slogans demanding accountability from the Congress leadership and action against those found responsible for misconduct.
District Mahila Morcha President Reena, Anita Khalasta, Rama Thakur, Pratibha Kanwar, Anita Sood, Ranjana, Prem Chauhan, Amrita Chauhan, Priyanka Aggarwal, Kamlesh Mehta, Asha, Reena, Nisha Chauhan, Seema Thakur, Ritu Gautam, Sanju Sharma, Bobby Bansal, Praveen Chhajta, Indu Vaidya and a large number of Mahila Morcha office-bearers and women workers were present during the demonstration.
