Congress MLA's Rape Theory Controversy

Congress MLA Phool Singh Baraiya from Bhander, India — Madhya Pradesh, triggered a major political controversy by making highly contentious remarks linking sexual violence to caste and religious interpretations. He claimed that women from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes are disproportionately targeted due to a 'distorted belief system' rooted in ancient texts like Rudrayamal Tantra. Baraiya suggested that perpetrators believe sexual violence against women of certain castes brings spiritual merit and controversially stated that a man's mind could get 'distracted' by an 'extremely beautiful woman,' leading to rape. He also alleged that women from backward communities are 'not even beautiful' but are still raped because it is 'written in their scriptures.' The India — Indian National Congress quickly distanced itself from Phool Singh Baraiya's statements, with India — Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari condemning them as unacceptable. The India — Bharatiya Janata Party launched a scathing attack, branding the comments as 'shameful and shocking' and questioning the India — Indian National Congress's ideological stance. Social organizations, including the All India Brahmin Society, also condemned the remarks, demanding accountability.