In a scathing attack, Supriya Shrinatee, Chairperson Social Media & Digital Platforms, Congress on X (formerly Twitter) handle shared a collage featuring nine BJP leaders accused of sexual harassment.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) finds itself embroiled in a controversy that threatens to overshadow Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic third consecutive term.
Less than 24 hours after Modi’s swearing-in ceremony, the party’s IT cell chief, Amit Malviya, filed a defamation suit against Santanu Sinha, a self-proclaimed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activist, who accused him of sexual exploitation of women.
Sinha’s allegations, made in a now-viral Facebook post, claim that Malviya “indulged” in sexual exploitation of women. The post has sent shockwaves through India’s political landscape, coming at a time when the BJP was basking in the glory of its recent Lok Sabha election victory. Malviya, who is widely credited for the party’s successful digital campaigns, vehemently denies these allegations.
In response, Malviya’s legal team sent a notice to Sinha on June 8, demanding the removal of the “false and derogatory” post from all social media platforms. The notice also seeks an unconditional apology and damages of Rs 10 crore for defamation. A source close to Malviya stated, “These baseless allegations are a deliberate attempt to tarnish Mr. Malviya’s reputation. We have full faith in the judiciary and expect the truth to prevail.”
The timing of these accusations has led to speculation about political motivations. “It’s curious that these allegations surface just as Prime Minister Modi begins his third term,” notes a political analyst. “The BJP’s digital strategy, spearheaded by Malviya, played a crucial role in their election success. This controversy could be an attempt to undermine that.”
Meanwhile, the opposition Indian National Congress (INC), buoyed by its improved performance in the recent elections, has seized upon this issue. In a scathing attack, Supriya Shrinatee, Chairperson Social Media & Digital Platforms, Congress on X (formerly Twitter) handle shared a collage featuring nine BJP leaders accused of sexual harassment. The post, captioned “Modi Ke Parivar Se Beti Bachao” (Save your daughter from Modi’s family), takes a jibe at the BJP’s “Modi Ka Parivar” (Modi’s family) slogan. Shrinate stated, “The BJP’s ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ (Save the daughter, Educate the daughter) campaign rings hollow when their own leaders are accused of exploitation. Mr. Malviya must resign pending a fair investigation.” This isn’t the first such allegation the BJP has faced. Today, a Bengaluru court remanded former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna to 14 days of judicial custody on charges of rape and sexual abuse. The Congress has drawn parallels, accusing the BJP of harboring leaders with questionable records. The BJP, however, remains defiant. “These are desperate tactics by the Congress, still reeling from their election loss. Mr. Malviya has our unwavering support. We urge the public to see through this conspiracy”, said BJP leader trying to douse the issue.
Political observers see this as a crucial test for the BJP. “The party’s image as a champion of women’s rights is at stake,” says a political analyst. “Their handling of this issue could impact their standing, particularly among women voters who’ve been key to their success.” As the legal process unfolds, the nation watches with bated breath. Will the BJP stand by Malviya, or will public pressure force a re-evaluation? The answer could shape not just Malviya’s future, but also the BJP’s narrative in the coming years.
In the high-stakes arena of Indian politics, even moments of triumph can swiftly transform into tests of resilience. As this story develops, one thing is clear: the outcome will reverberate far beyond the confines of a courtroom, potentially influencing the political discourse in Modi’s third term.
