The recent rape cases in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras and Balrampur has not only left the nation shocked but has also deeply disturbed most of us. And what is even sadder to see is the Government’s cold approach towards the cases. While this wasn’t enough, recently a BJP MLA from the Bairia constituency in Uttar Pradesh, Surendra Singh made a rather derogatory comment against the women. In his remark, Surendra said that parents should inculcate good values in their daughters in order to stop rapes. 

It was this comment, that left many Bollywood personalities like Swara Bhasker, Vir Das, Swara Bhasker, Farah Khan Ali, Shruti Seth, etc. furious. And in order to slam the politician, these actors took two Twitter expressing displeasure over what he said. Pointing out at the sick mindset that needs to change, Kriti Sanon wrote, “Teach daughters how to not get raped??? Can he hear himself talk? THIS is the MINDSET that needs to change! Its so messed up! Why can’t they give some sanskaar to their sons???”

Slamming these misogynistic views, actress Swara Bhasker also took to Twitter saying, “Yeh ghatiya aadmi purana paapi hai (This disgusting man is an old sinner). #rapedefender BJP MLA Surendra Singh.” In her Tweet, not only did Swara call him a rape defender she also shared an old video of his comments during the Unnao rape case. 

Not just this Swara has even gone on to slam another politician from INCMP for calling the Balrampur rape case a smaller incident that Hathras. She wrote, “SHAMEFUL statement! This is the problem. We live in a rampant and thriving rape culture- because of this BS mentality. Show us your solidarity in action.. sack this man! This whataboutery on rape is not acceptable on any side of the spectrum. @bhupeshbaghel @INCChhattisgarh”

https://twitter.com/ReallySwara/status/1313016663697051648 

While we have always seen Swara been very vocal about her political views, this statement from Surendra Singh has also invited flak from designer Farah Khan Ali. She took to Twitter and wrote, “To Stop rape we need to change the mentality of men like him who blame a woman for rape. We write “A woman was raped” instead of saying “the man raped a woman”.The stigma is always on a woman when it should be on the rapist.Teach this man to respect the womb that bore him first.” Even actress Pooja Bedi strongly reacted to the comment saying, “These are the kind of MORONS & patriarchal lunatics that the @BJP4India has in its folds. Time for a colon cleansing for the ruling party.. dont u think?”

https://twitter.com/poojabeditweets/status/1312723983154835457 

Reacting to the comment, actress Shruti Seth wrote, “How very kind of this gentleman to point this out. But what should a family do with the Sons?”

Actor-comedian Vir Das also stood up to speak against the derogatory remark, he wrote on Twitter, “I agree. Family is important. Parents...raise your sons not to think like this creep.”

While this statement was made by Surendra Singh during a press meet recently, the two rape cases of Dalit women within a week’s span in Uttar Pradesh have angered the people. In fact, lots of celebrities also took to social media demanding justice for the 19-year-old rape victim of the Hathras case. However, not much has changed in terms of actions being taken against the alarming number of rape cases, except for a few more character shaming remarks being added to a woman’s sanctity. Stay tuned!

Written by Nawaz Kochra