Political leaders condemn Eshwarappa’s remark

While the senior BJP leader remained unapologetic, the party tried to distance itself from the issue

Leaders cutting across party lines, besides women’s organisations, condemned senior BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council K.S. Eshwarappa’s shocking remarks on rape in response to a question posed by a woman journalist from a Kannada TV channel on Saturday.

However, no specific assurance was forthcoming either from the government on possible legal action or from the BJP on the party taking any disciplinary action against the senior leader.

When queried by the reporter if the BJP was doing enough as a constructive Opposition party to ensure that the government discharged its duties, Mr. Eshwarappa asked her what the Opposition could possibly do if she was “dragged away and raped by someone”. He was speaking to the journalist at the funeral of police sub-inspector Jagadish, who was stabbed to death by robbers on Friday.

While Mr. Eshwarappa himself remained unapologetic, the BJP tried to distance itself from the remark.

Leader of the Opposition Jagadish Shettar stated that it was “not correct” to make such a statement. “His [Eshwarappa’s] statement is not in good taste,” Mr Shettar said, while not making any commitment on the party initiating action against him.

Former Minister and BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje too condemned the statement.

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) women wing president, Lakshmi Hebbalkar, said: “Mr. Eshwarappa is unfit for the post of the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council.”

The Congress will stage a protest against Mr. Eshwarappa on Sunday. JD(S) spokesperson Ramesh Babu demanded expulsion of Mr. Eshwarappa from the party and sought an apology from him. In a press release, the All-India Democratic Women’s Association termed the remark as “condemnable” and demanded an apology.