Controversial Remarks by Congress MLA on Rape and Community Dynamics
Phool Singh Baraiya, a Congress MLA from Madhya Pradesh, has stirred controversy with his remarks linking rape to religious beliefs and community dynamics. His statements, suggesting that women from marginalized communities are targeted due to a distorted belief system, have drawn sharp criticism from political opponents and party leaders alike. Jitu Patwari, the state Congress president, condemned Baraiya's comments, asserting that there is no justification for rape. The BJP has also responded strongly, labeling the remarks as shameful. This incident raises significant questions about societal attitudes towards gender violence and the implications of caste in such discussions.
Jan 17, 2026, 14:57 IST
Congress MLA's Controversial Statement Sparks Outrage
A Congress legislator from Bhander, Madhya Pradesh, Phool Singh Baraiya, has ignited significant controversy by asserting that a majority of rapes in India occur within Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). He elaborated on his statement by suggesting that during travels, if a man encounters a "very beautiful woman," it could distract him, potentially leading to rape.
In his remarks, Baraiya indicated that women from marginalized communities are targeted due to a "distorted belief system" rooted in ancient texts. He claimed that perpetrators believe that committing sexual violence against women from certain castes could grant them spiritual merit akin to that of a pilgrimage.
The Bhander MLA questioned who the victims of rape are in India, stating that they predominantly belong to SC, ST, and OBC communities. He further explained that the theory of rape suggests that if a man, regardless of his mental state, sees an attractive woman while walking, he might be tempted to assault her. Baraiya controversially added that even if women from backward communities are not conventionally beautiful, they still face such violence because it is mentioned in their scriptures.
Following Baraiya's comments, Jitu Patwari, the president of the Madhya Pradesh Congress, distanced the party from his statements, emphasizing that there is no justification for rape. He stated that every individual who commits such an act is a criminal, and it should not be associated with caste or religion. The BJP responded strongly to Baraiya's remarks, labeling them as "shameful and shocking." BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla shared a photo of Baraiya with Rahul Gandhi on social media, accusing the Congress of endorsing such abhorrent comments against women, particularly those from SC/ST backgrounds.