Cong slams BJP over release of convicts of Bilkis Bano case

New Delhi, August 16 (Agency) The Congress on Tuesday launched a scathing attack at the BJP over the Gujarat government’s decision to release 11 people convicted in the 2002 Bilkis Bano case and asserted that it shows the mindset of the ruling dispensation. “Yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the Red Fort talked about women’s respect and security. After a few hours, the Gujarat government decided to release 11 people who were convicted of rape in Bilkis Bano case. Today, we saw those released were felicitated. Is this Amrit Mahotsav ? This shows the ‘mindset’ of the BJP,” Congress media department chairman Pawan Khera said at a press conference here. “This is a case in which the Supreme Court had asked the Gujarat government to give Rs 50 lakh compensation to Bilkis Bano,” he added.

Attacking the Prime Minister, Khera said, “either PM’s own people have stopped listening to him or he tells something to the country and then tells something different to the state government. There is a difference between words and deeds.” “The PM should make it clear whatever he had said yesterday from the ramparts of Red Fort whether it is true ? If it is true, then what about decision taken by the Gujarat government? From both, only one will be right. This Congress and the country wants to know,” he said. Meanwhile Congress Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi in a tweet said, “Prime Minister Modi says ‘Beti Bachao’ and his government in Gujarat believes ‘Balatkari bachao.’