Opposition leaders today criticised the Shiv Sena over its controversial editorial on rape cases in its mouthpiece 'Saamna'.
Expressing shock over the article, Uttar Pradesh Congress leader Rita Bahuguna Joshi demanded an apology from the Shiv Sena, saying that nothing can be more wrong than going against a woman's dignity.
"A very shameful comment has been published in 'Saamna', and the way the Shiv Sena has said that it has become a fashion to accuse men of rape, I feel nothing could be more against the dignity of a woman. It'is very wrong to give such a statement, and 'Saamna' should urgently apologise for it, Uddhav Thackeray should speak up, and if he doesn't, then this means he doesn't respect women, and we strongly condemn such types of statement," said Joshi.
Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Atul Anjan said the Shiv Sena can say and do anything, and described it as a party of ignorant people.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Majeed Memon seemed to express partial acceptance of the article saying that although security of women is very important, but there are also cases where complaints are filed for extortion etc.
He said the Shiv Sena shouldn't be selective in commenting on the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sunil Paraskar case.
"This view expressed by 'Saamna' is partially accepted and partially not by me, because you can't isolate one particular case. Investigation in the DIG Paraskar case is on, and let them have an independent fearless investigation to reach the bottom of the truth as far as allegation against this high ranking police officer is concerned. We are not saying that he is guilty nor are we saying that he should be humiliated or made to suffer any kind of embarrassment," said Memon.
"But at the same time I agree to the extent that the moment you are thinking of siding on the women and tightening the law relating to molestation and rape as we say no complaint of woman should be ignored so this is opening gate for false accusation and there are possibilities of some women trying to make it a means for extortion for pressurizing. But it is our duty to protect women," he added.
Earlier today, an article in 'Saamna' backing DIG Sunil Paraskar, accused by a Mumbai based model of raping her, sparked controversy as it said, 'today has it become a fashion to level rape charges? This question is now in people's minds.'
The article also said, 'New laws were made after the shameful 'Nirbhaya' incident, but did rape cases decrease?'
It added, 'Cases of sensationalizing through accusations of eve-teasing and rape have increased.
