Congress scion Rahul Gandhi is facing severe criticism for his dire hypocrisy in addressing women’s rights, selectively in cases of sexual assault and murder.
This comes at the backdrop, on 20 August, 2024, Gandhi deflected questions regarding his position on the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case, which has sparked nationwide protests by doctors. Instead, he highlighted his visit to his parliamentary constituency, Rae Bareli, where he claimed to be seeking justice for a Dalit individual killed in Nasirabad. This move has further fueled allegations of selective advocacy.
Rahul Gandhi traveled all the way to Uttar Pradesh to support the family of a Dalit individual who was killed, emphasizing his role as Leader of the Opposition. When pressed by the reporters about why he hadn’t addressed the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case, Gandhi responded, “I have come here (Raebareli) to support the family of the victim (Dalit youth). I will not let you distract from this matter. I will speak on Kolkata doctor rape and murder case later.”
A 31-year-old postgraduate doctor was allegedly raped and murdered inside a seminar hall of the hospital on August 9, sparking national outrage. Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, was arrested in the case. The incident led to nationwide protests by doctors, demanding justice for the victim and a law ensuring safety for all resident doctors in colleges and hospitals. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also faced criticism over the TMC government’s handling of the case. Her personal intervention failed to placate protesters this time.The Supreme Court on Tuesday criticised the West Bengal government for using their power to silence peaceful protests and questioned them for mishandling the case.
The court formed a 10-member national taskforce to ensure the safety of medical professionals while hearing a case related to the RG Kar hospital incident.
The Indian Medical Association welcomed the court’s intervention to ensure safety for medical personnel and announced that it will collaborate with the committee appointed by the court on issues related to security.
The CBI is expected to submit a status report on the crime as well as the mob vandalism which occurred at RG Kar hospital on August 22, during the next court hearing.
The bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, referred to the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar hospital on August 9 as “horrific” and “horrendous”. They also pointed out that the lack of safety for women at the workplace was akin to denying them equality.
The CJI also noted that this was not just about one crime but a systemic issue that needed to be addressed in time. He said, “As more and more women join the work force…..the nation cannot wait another rape for things to change on the ground.”
This response has raised serious concerns about Rahul Gandhi’s credibility, as it suggests he may only engage with and support victims in opposition-ruled states while neglecting those in states governed by his allies. This selective approach appears to elevate his hypocrisy bar to a new level.
