Ex-BJP leader who supported Kathua rapists joins Congress

New Delhi: In a sharp escalation of political tensions, the Congress party has come under heavy criticism for inducting former BJP leader Lal Singh, who was previously a minister in the BJP-PDP government. Singh, known for his controversial role in organizing rallies in support of the accused rapists and murderers involved in the Kathua rape case, has now found a place within the Congress party, sparking outrage across the political spectrum.

Widespread criticism

Critics argue that Congress's decision to bring Lal Singh into its fold represents a significant "character wash," a term used to describe attempts at rehabilitating the public image of individuals with controversial or tainted pasts. Singh’s vocal defense of the accused in the horrific Kathua rape case, where an 8-year-old girl was brutally raped and murdered, remains fresh in the collective memory. His participation in rallies supporting the accused drew widespread condemnation, not only from human rights groups but from the general public as well.

ऐसे में कॉंग्रेस और भाजपा में अन्तर क्या है? मासूम के बलात्कारियों और हत्यारों के पक्ष में रैली निकालने वाले बीजेपी नेताओं को न सिर्फ पनाह मगर टिकट भी? क्या 8 साल की मासूम की इज्ज़त के यही मायने हैं @priyankagandhi @RahulGandhi @kharge ? शर्मनाक! ये सिर्फ शुरुआत है. आगे देखते… pic.twitter.com/oLDPRJEbbm

— Abhisar Sharma (@abhisar_sharma) September 11, 2024

The fact that Singh openly supported individuals charged with such a heinous crime against a child has led to a strong backlash against Congress. Many are questioning how the party, which often champions women’s rights and justice, can justify giving a political platform to someone associated with shielding those accused of such a gruesome crime.

Questions on women's safety

Questions have been raised about Congress’s stand on women’s safety and justice for the Kathua rape victim, given its decision to shelter a leader with such a controversial past. On social media, outraged users have slammed the Congress party for this move, accusing it of undermining its own moral high ground by offering political space to individuals with tainted records.

The Congress-BJP rivalry, already intense, has reached new heights with this development. While BJP leaders rally behind a hardline stance on crime, this turn of events has cast a shadow on Congress’s own stance on law and order.

Meanwhile, supporters of Singh within Congress have defended his inclusion, citing his contributions to politics over the years. However, for many, the past actions of Lal Singh remain an indelible stain, and his move to Congress has triggered a fierce debate about ethics in Indian politics.