Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Oct 2: Former MLA Ramanath Rai said that stronger sections in the society have gained courage after BJP came to power.

Addressing the media here on Friday October 2, Rai said, "It was a heart-wrenching incident at Hathras where a 19-year-old girl was gang-raped. The entire nation expressed outrage over the incident at Hathras. Since the Modi government came to power, crimes against weaker sections are on the rise. The way the government handled the incident is highly condemnable. The Uttar Pradesh police have even cremated the victim by restricting the family from attending the cremation."

Speaking on the contradicting remarks of the UP police on the victim not being raped, Rai said, "In her dying declaration, the victim named four accused and clearly stated about the incident. On the contrary, the cops are claiming that the 19-year-old from Hathras was not raped. The police are going against the dying declaration of the victim.

"In another incident, a 22-year-old was gang-raped at Balrampur. After the BJP government came to power, the stronger sections have gained courage as their domination is so high in the northern part of our country. The voice of the opposition has been shunned down. When Rahul Gandhi was on his way to visit the family of the victim, he was pushed to the ground, manhandled and was arrested for which the district Congress condemns the Uttar Pradesh government.

"Media criticizes everyone including Congress, but there was no instance where a channel in the state has been shut down during Congress rule. BJP government has shut down the news channel for exposing the government. There is a rise in petrol, diesel price, no employment and law and order has completely failed. We demand President's rule in Uttar Pradesh as they do not deserve to be in rule,” said Rai.

District Congress president Harish Kumar who was also present said, "Shobha Karandhlaje criticizes, tweets to every small issue but when will Shobha Karandlaje break the silence on the rape issue?"

MLA U T Khader said, "The BJP is into hatred politics. Those who question the government, the BJP imposes ban on them. If they support the government, they will be favoured. Till when the public will spare them? No poor has become rich except Ambani who was in the 40th position has now reached the 4th position. Is it possible for them to be in this position without the support of BJP?"

Corporators Naveen D Souza, Shashidhar Hegde, Santhosh Kumar Shetty and others were present.