Facing flak from all quarters for the rape and murder of two girls in Badaun, Samajwadi Party leaders gave bizarre statements on Wednesday and blamed the media for targeting the Uttar Pradesh government.
SP general secretary Ramgopal Yadav said the spurt in such incidents was a result of “vulgarity and violence shown on television channels.” He echoed Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's view that U.P. was being targeted deliberately when such incidents were taking place in other States too.
“When a relationship between girls and boys is exposed, it is termed as rape. In many places, the girls and boys are ready to marry but honour killing takes place. It’s sad that such incidents aren’t stopping,” he added.
Party chief Mulayam Singh denied that the U.P. government was insensitive. “We are sensitive. Strict action is being taken against the culprits,” Mr Singh told journalists outside Parliament, adding: “You do your work and let us do our work.”
U.P. Prisons Minister Rajendra Chaudhary said, “Incidents of rapes and honour killings are social problems in which one or more families are involved.”
