‘Beautiful girl distracts man’: Congress MLA’s bizarre ‘rape theory’ and a wilder ‘caste’ defence

AControversial financial statement by u.s. Congress MLA Phool Singh Baraiya has triggered a political firestorm in Madhya Pradesh, with BJP condemning what they called a unsafe trivialisation of dishonor and a deep “polluted”, “distorted” mindset.The controversy erupted after Baraiya, in a media interview, linked the crime of rape to caste hierarchies and religious interpretations. Referring to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), the Congress MLA claimed women from these communities are targeted due to what he described as a “distorted belief system” rooted in ancient texts.He cited a book he referred to as Rudrayamal Tantra, alleging that perpetrators believe sexual violence against women of certain castes brings spiritual merit, comparable to undertaking pilgrimages.‘Theory of rape’In the purported video, Baraiya went further, making insensitive remarks. He suggested rape could occur due to momentary “distraction” caused by “beautiful women” and made disturbing assertions about group sexual violence and crimes against infants. In the purported video he went on to say, “The theory of rape is that any man, regardless of the kind of mind he has, may be walking along the road. If he sees a very beautiful girl—extremely beautiful—his brain can get distracted, and then rape can happen."The MLA also invoked caste-based interpretations to justify sexual violence, a claim that has drawn widespread anger.He added, “Among Adivasis, which woman is extremely beautiful? Among Scheduled Castes, which woman is extremely beautiful? Most such ‘beautiful’ women are among OBCs. Why does rape happen? Because such instructions are given in their religious scriptures.”“It is written there that if one has sexual relations with a woman of a particular caste, one will receive the merit of pilgrimage. With another caste, the merit of another pilgrimage is attained. Now, they cannot actually go to those pilgrimage sites mentioned in the scriptures. So what option is given to them to get the same merit while staying at home? Catch these women and have sexual relations with them, and you will get the reward.”‘Went to libraries, found this clue’: The wilder defenceWhen questioned by the media over why he made such remarks, Baraiya didn't retract from his statements but gave a wilder defence. He claimed the remarks were not part of the video, suggesting his comments were taken out of context or said off the record.He maintained that his remarks were based on what he described as extensive personal inquiry, saying, “I went to many places, I observed, I asked questions in many places, I made efforts, I went through many libraries. From there, I found this clue.” Rejecting allegations of impropriety, he insisted there was nothing indecent in what he said and defended himself by adding, “No, where is there any indecent comment against women in this? I am standing in favour of women.”BJP attacks Congress leadershipThe Bharatiya Janata Party mounted a fierce attack on the Congress, with Madhya Pradesh BJP media in-charge Ashish Usha Agarwal targeting both Baraiya and the party leadership.Taking a swipe at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Agarwal said the MLA’s remarks reflected broader acceptance within the Congress. “On stage with Rahul Gandhi in Indore, Congress MLA Phool Singh Baria— This is consensus... Acceptance,” he said in a post on X.“It is now clear that the polluted, distorted, and frustrated mindset toward women and the SC-ST community is not just Baria's, but the thinking of the entire Congress under Rahul Gandhi's leadership.”Agarwal also questioned the silence of senior Congress leaders.Calling the remarks an insult to women, he added, “A woman is a goddess, not a political tool. Such insult will not be tolerated. Shame on such a Congress.”