What they said!

Reactions from political and religious leaders across the spectrum after the Delhi gang-rape and protests, have shifted the focus from rape to the position of women in society. Compiled by Lavanya Prabhakaran

Madhya Pradesh MP Kailash Vijayvargiya on Friday commented that women should not cross the 'Lakshman rekha'. He said, “Only when Sitaji crossed the Lakshman Rekha, she was kidnapped by Ravan... If Sitaji [woman] crosses the Lakshman Rekha, then Sitaharan [abduction] is bound to take place as Ravans are out there.” File Photo: A. M. Faruqui

BJP MLA in Rajasthan Banwari Lal Singhal demanded the ban on skirts as uniforms. He commented, "the intention of this demand is to keep girl students away from men’s lustful gazes and for their comfort in hot and cold weather conditions". File Photo: D. B. Patil

'Spritual Guru' Asaram Bapu's comment that "the rape and murder would not have happened if the Delhi gang-rape victim had called the rapists her brothers" created havoc on the well-meaning people of the country. This December 1, 2012 photo shows his arrival before an inquiry commission in Ahmedabad.