A day after the Gujarat government told the Supreme Court that the Centre had approved the early release of the convicts in the Bilkis Bano gang rape case, the Congress targeted the Modi Government and claimed that the early release is “a stain on the government that will never wash off”.
Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “Talk of respect for women from the ramparts of the Red Fort but in reality support for ‘rapists’. The difference between the Prime Minister’s promises and intentions is clear, PM has only betrayed women”.
Attacking the Centre, Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala said that the letter and spirit of the Constitution has been murdered. “To give “pardon” to persons convicted up to Supreme Court of Rape, Murder of the entire family including a 3 yr old child is the “New Normal” for Modi Govt & Gujarat Govt in “New India”. Letter & spirit of the Constitution has been murdered in broad daylight in #BilkisBanoCase,” Mr. Surjewala tweeted.
Also Read | Behind the release of Bilkis Bano’s tormentors
At a press briefing, Congress spokesperson and Rajya Sabha member Abhishek Singhvi said the decision is “reprehensible, repugnant and revolting” but was taken with an eye on elections. “Will such treatment be granted to all individuals who are accused of heinous offences? Or was this a limited time offer contingent on the upcoming elections?” asked Mr. Singhvi.
The Congress spokesperson asked the government to explain why it overruled senior officials who had opposed the remission. “Has the Modi Government decided to pardon all convicted rapists and child murders who have served a certain period? With what face will the Modi Government now oppose demands for parole which cite this precedent?” Mr. Singhvi asked.
