Have the guts to call a spade a spade, BJP!

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It is shocking that senior BJP leaders have chosen to stay mum on the Bilkis Bano verdict. While we have seen and heard some statements in debates, there is none of the high decibel response that one expects on a judgment and subject of this magnitude. One cannot hide behind legalese, talk about remission in another state, mumble about merits and waffle on about generalities that are designed to obfuscate.

Leaders, first amongst equals, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi needs to speak up on all charges from the party and supporters garlanding the rapists, if untrue debunk it to the criminal act itself. Show the courage to come out and address this, including demands for an apology, the conduct of the Gujarat govt, the remarks of the court on that and the BJP party. While one agrees that this is a big knives-out moment for the Opposition, there is large-scale consensus on the Supreme Court judgment and pronouncements.

While any Opposition will harp on this, this is not about the Opposition only. Demonstrate and show the people that one has the humility to comment on this issue. Talk about celebrations and felicitations post the release of these men, which was a most shameful sight.

It may be true that sexual assaults are being politicised, yet the BJP cannot hide behind that only, without directly talking about the Bano case. We want senior leaders to be brave enough to take on the consequences of criticising their party. The PM himself, in a speech, had said the country was shamed by increasing reports of sexual violence against women and girls. Now, show that you are honest enough to call out your own if need be. Ensure full protection and security for Bilkis Bano, who should not live in fear. This time, silence is certainly not golden, it is very shameful.