What's happened
Recent violent incidents in India, including a rape case in Ujjain and the murder of a teenager in Faridabad, have ignited political tensions. The opposition questions the safety of women in BJP-ruled states, while the ruling party promises strict action. These events highlight ongoing issues of crime and governance in the country as elections approach.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Namita Singh in The Independent, the Ujjain incident involved a woman who was raped by a man who had promised to marry her, while bystanders filmed the event instead of intervening. This has raised serious questions about societal attitudes towards violence against women. Singh also notes that the political fallout has been significant, with the opposition Congress party criticizing the BJP's handling of law and order in Madhya Pradesh.
In a separate report, Singh highlights the emotional return of wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics, where she faced challenges that led to her retirement announcement. Her entry into politics is seen as a strategic move for the Congress party ahead of the Haryana elections, as they aim to capitalize on her popularity and the ongoing issues of women's safety and rights in India. This dual narrative of violence and political maneuvering underscores the complex landscape of Indian politics today.
How we got here
The incidents come amid rising concerns over women's safety in India, particularly following a high-profile rape and murder case in Kolkata. Political tensions have escalated as the opposition criticizes the ruling BJP's handling of law and order, especially in light of upcoming elections.
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Narendra Damodardas Modi is an Indian politician serving as the 14th and current Prime Minister of India since 2014. He was the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014, and is the Member of Parliament for Varanasi.
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The Bharatiya Janata Party is one of the two major political parties in India, along with the Indian National Congress. As of 2018, it is the country's largest political party in terms of representation in the national parliament and state assemblies, and