BJP’s Sakshi Maharaj Backs Ram Rahim, Neatly Lodges Foot In Mouth

Sakshi Maharaj, a rape accused himself, has defended Gurmeet Ram Rahim. Do the math.

Gurmit Ram Rahim Insan (L); BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj

(Source: Facebook/Altered by The Quint)

Sakshi Maharaj, BJP MP from Unnao, UP, courted controversy on 25 August, when he blamed the woman who had been raped by Gurmeet Ram Rahim, for the violence that eurpted following his conviction.

Follow live updates of the fallout of the verdict here.

BJP Distances Itself From Maharaj’s Statement

Distancing himself and the BJP from Maharaj’s comments, senior party member Kailash Vijaywargiya told ANI:

I do not support his statement. It was his personal view. I think it is not right to question the judicial system.

Remarks Sparks Ire

The comments were criticised by women’s rights activists. Activist Heena Jahir told ANI: “I would suggest that court should put Sakshi Maharaj behind the bars on charges of contempt of court. He is supporting the culprit and disrespecting courts order”.

Sakshi Maharaj falls under same category that is why he is supporting such person. Does he mean to say that a court should listen to the supporters of a rapist? I

Another activist Saraswati Ghosh, has asked that Sakshi Maharaj be banned from the Bharaiya Janta Party.

Twitter immediately lashed out against him.

Maharaj’s comment brings to the fore, the fire that women come under for reporting incidents of sexual harassment and stalking.

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