The alleged gang rape of a woman in a moving car in Faridabad has triggered a major political controversy in Haryana, putting the state's Nayab Singh Saini-led government under intense scrutiny on the final day of the year. The horrific incident has provided fresh ammunition to the opposition, which launched a fierce attack on the Chief Minister and the state police over the deteriorating law and order situation, particularly concerning the safety of women.
Opposition Leaders Launch Scathing Attack
Leaders from the Congress and the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) united in their condemnation of the state administration. Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee chief Rao Narender Singh expressed deep anguish, labeling the gang rape incident as "extremely shameful and reprehensible." His sentiments were echoed by the Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister, Bhupinder Singh Hooda.
Hooda stated that the incident had shaken the entire country and society. "It was once again proven that there is no such thing as law and order in Haryana. The BJP government has completely failed to provide security to women," he asserted. He further highlighted that the Social Progress Index released by the central government itself states that Haryana is the most unsafe state in the country, and the Faridabad incident, in his view, proved this assessment correct.
Demands for Strictest Punishment and Government Accountability
Both Hooda and Rao Narender Singh presented a united front in their demand for justice. "The Congress demands the strictest possible punishment for those responsible for this heinous crime. The punishment should be such that no one dares to even think of committing such a despicable act in the future," they declared.
Adding a powerful voice to the criticism, Sudha Bharadwaj, the state president of the Mahila Congress, alleged that crime against women and children was at its peak in Haryana. She expressed a cautious hope, saying, "I think the Saini government will wake up to this issue, and its police officers will be proactive in solving the case to ensure justice for the survivor."
Cross-Party Condemnation Puts Government on the Defensive
The political backlash was not confined to the Congress party. INLD MLA Aditya Devil Lal Chautala also censured the Saini dispensation, indicating a broader consensus among opposition forces on the issue of governance and women's security. This coordinated attack on the last day of the year has placed the Nayab Singh Saini government firmly in the firing line, forcing it to confront serious questions about its ability to protect its citizens.
The incident has starkly highlighted the ongoing challenges surrounding women's safety in the state, turning it into a significant political liability for the ruling party as it heads into the new year.
