In light of the upcoming assembly elections in Rajasthan, a fierce political battle has ensued between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress party.
Both parties are leaving no stone unturned to criticize and corner each other. On Monday (July 03), a BJP Member of Parliament (MP) launched a scathing attack on the Gehlot government, specifically targeting the state's law and order situation.
Diya Kumari, the BJP MP from Rajsamand, alleged that there has been a significant surge of 46 per cent in cases of rape and harassment of women during the Congress government's tenure of four and a half years.
Kumari further claimed that women and girls are unsafe in any corner of the state, be it in ambulances, roads, homes, hospitals, or even police stations.
She cited instances of crimes against women in various cities, including Jaipur, Dungarpur, Barmer, Udaipur, and Alwar.
During a press conference on Monday, MP Diya Kumari addressed reporters and stated, "According to the National Crime Bureau (NCB), there has been a 46 per cent increase in cases of rape and harassment of women in Rajasthan during the last four and a half years of the Congress government."
She emphasized that the safety of women and girls is at stake in the state.
To highlight the issue and register a protest, a large number of women are scheduled to gather at the state BJP office on July 5 under the banner of the Mahila Morcha (Women's Front).
They will hold a meeting and subsequently march towards the Chief Minister's residence. As part of their campaign, BJP state general secretary Diya Kumari also screened a documentary showcasing incidents of violence against women in the state and released a poster to raise awareness about the issue.
The BJP's allegations of a significant increase in crimes against women in Rajasthan have intensified the political battle ahead of the assembly elections.
The Congress government, on the other hand, is likely to defend its record on women's safety and law enforcement.
As the election approaches, it remains to be seen how these allegations and counter-allegations will shape public opinion and influence the electoral outcome in Rajasthan.