'Who Is Real Narendra Modi?': Congress Slams PM Over Release Of Bilkis Bano Case Convicts

Eleven convicts, who walked out of the Godhra sub-jail today, were convicted for gang rape of a pregnant woman, murder and unlawful assembly under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Congress Spokesperson Pawan Khera. (File Photo/ PTI)

The Congress on Tuesday fired salvo at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central government after 11 people who were convicted for life in the gangrape case of Bilkis Bano and murder of her family member, during the 2002 Gujarat riots, walked out of jail earlier in the day. Congress' jibe came a day after PM Modi praised "Nari Shakti" in his Independence Day speech on Monday and alleged that the decision reflects the mindset of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Addressing a press conference, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera asked if the Prime Minister's statements on women empowerment had any meaning and asserted that he should tell the country if he himself believed in his words when he spoke about the safety, respect and empowerment of women.

"Who is the real Narendra Modi? The one who serves falsehood from the ramparts of the Red Fort or the one who gets his Gujarat government to release those behind rape. This Congress party and the country want to know," Khera asked during the presser.

"The Congress asks the prime minister to tell the country that what he said from the ramparts of the Red Fort were merely words, as he himself did not believe in his words," he said.

Eleven convicts, who walked out of the Godhra sub-jail today, were convicted for gang rape of a pregnant woman, murder and unlawful assembly under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel-led Gujarat government allowed their release under its remission policy.

A special CBI court sentenced the eleven accused to life imprisonment in Mumbai on January 21, 2008 on charges of gang rape and murder of seven members of Bilkis Bano's family. The conviction was even upheld by the Bombay High Court.

"Yesterday, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, the prime minister spoke big things about women's safety, women's power, women's respect. A few hours later the Gujarat government released those behind the rape. We also saw that the convicts in the rape who were released are being honoured. Is this the Amrit Mahotsav," the Congress leader asked further.

Addressing reporters, Kheral also referred to Kathua and Unnao rape cases and said it embarrasses everyone in politics when office-bearers and supporters of a national political party are seen taking out a rally in favor of rapists on the streets.