Cheer Haran

                                         In the prevailing vicious political environment of this country a worrying trend is emerging, only those tragedies are highlighted  that furthers ones political ambitions while feigning ignorance over others by politicians and media - a gruesome rape in Kerala is protested by some but conveniently ignored by others (http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/main-suspect-in-rape-murder-of-kerala-dalit-woman-arrested-by-police-report-2855899/). While a condemnable statement by ex-BJP Vice President of UP Dayashankar is grabbed by politicians and left/liberal media to denounce central government and create mass hysteria its lackadaisical attitude towards other numerous filthy incidents raises questions about its sincerity.

                                      Derogatory statements by politicians isn't new phenomenon in Indian politics (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o95x50Wi7nw). Many stalwarts across political spectrum have indulged in shameful rhetoric. The derogatory statement and sacking of Dayashankar by BJP doesn't seem to mollify mischief mongers . There seems to be a manufactured fury created by vested interests to continue the agitation keeping UP elections in mind . The irony is, the sensitive question of insult to a woman is being hijacked to trash BJP while identity politics in this case "Dalit" is being superimposed for political gains trivializing the bigger question of women's honor and dignity.

                                    Politicians jump in fray when its politically convenient to them and unfortunately it belittles the otherwise serious topic of women dignity. The political prism of current day politicians is narrow . It only divides people and perpetuate hate. The victims and crimes are nowadays segregated on the basis of identity, castes and religious. Identities are re emphasized , flimsy excuses are given and conspiracy theories are woven. Nurturing political ambitions isn't sin but shielding criminals in the garb of fake victimhood emboldens the perpetrator by blunting law through smokescreen, thus negates the will  to confront the crime. The allegations and counter allegations defeats the resolve to fight burning issue of women respect and dignity making it more about identity slugfest.

                                       In this case , the support from media and social condemnation by all encouraged Mayawati, who tried to evoke community emotions by calling it an insult on "Dalit" women across India( apparently she even compared herself to living deity of oppressed ). Unfortunately the actual topic of insult to women was given castist turn and in the ensuing protests BSP workers went overboard crossing all limits of human decency. They openly called for the mother, wife and 12 year old daughter (7th grader) of Dayashankar to be delivered to them all for sex and to teach them a lesson. Even more bizarre is the justification of Mayawati in her own words ‘Dayashankar’s family should realize (through the statement of her party men) that how insulting it is when a woman is referred to as a prostitute’.

                                   There shouldn't be any discrimination while dealing with serious issue of women modesty. Perpetrators shouldn't be left off because of his identity or political compulsions. When media ask for strict action on Dayashankar for deplorable comments then why doesn't it displays the same outrage when Congress’ Sanjay Nirupam  ask Smriti Irani to do thumkas, Nilamoni Sen Deka call her ‘Modi’s second wife’, Sharad Yadav for telling her “I know what you are” and JDU’s Ali Anwar claiming Irani has been given the textile portfolio to ‘cover her body.’ Why is the hypocrisy of selected outrage ? As long people doesn't unite and raise voice on social evil of defaming women irrespective of caste, religion etc all tall claims about women empowerment will only sound hollow and erroneous.

                                    It is morally correct to denounce any lewd comment made against women whether she's in public domain or otherwise but calling to rape family members with tacit approval from political boss is equally condemnatory. There shouldn't be any double standards employed by media to defend perpetrators when honor of a women is at stake. The victim and crime shouldn't be seen from the atrocious narrow prism of vote bank politics if India wants to save vulnerable daughters from the appalling emerging scenario .