Attack on Muslim women over beef rumour: BJP, Cong raise voice in RS

New Delhi, Jul 27: Opposition BSP and Congress today created uproar in Rajya Sabha, protesting against beating up of two Muslim women in Madhya Pradesh in the name of cow protection.

No sooner had listed papers been laid on the table of the House, Mayawati (BSP) said after beating of dalit youths in Gujarat, 'Gau Raksha' (cow protection) groups beat up two women in Madhya Pradesh over suspicion of possessing beef.

The incident at the Mandsaur railway station occurred in presence of the police which remained a mute spectator, she alleged.

BJP, on the one hand, talks of protecting the girl child and giving dignity and honour to women but on the other unleashes goons on them, she charged.

The incident in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh comes close on the heels of beating of four dalit youth in party's bastion Gujarat, she said.

She asked Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi to respond to targeting of women of his community in the name of cow protection.

As she completed her submission, BSP members trooped into the Well of the House, shouting anti-government slogans. Congress members too joined them in the well.

"Mahila virodhi yeh sarkar nahi chalegi, nahi chalegi (This anti-women government will not be tolerated)", they shouted. "Dalit virodhi yeh sarkar nahi chalegi, nahi chalegi (this anti-dalit government will not be tolerated)."

Anand Sharma (Cong) asked why Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not responded to attacks on dalits in name of 'Gau Raksha'.

"He has done 'chai-pe-charcha' (talk over tea) and 'mann-ki-baat' (straight talk from heart) but why not on this issue," he asked.

Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said derailing Zero Hour, where 13 members have given notices, was not right and if members wanted a discussion on the subject, they should give notice.

"You go back to your seats, I will ask the government to respond," he said urging Mayawati and Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad to call back their members.

Azad said his Congress party was not principally against cow protection but was against targeting of dalits and Muslims in name of Gau Raksha.

"Let it be very clear. We are not against Gau Raksha. But in the garb of Gau Raksha, targeting dalits and Muslims is something we are against," he said.