MP News: In yet another insensitive and controversial remark on horrific crimes like rape, a Congress MLA linked the crime with caste and religious interpretation, saying that women from particular backgrounds are disproportionately targeted due to what he described as a "distorted belief system" rooted in ancient texts.

Congress MLA Phool Singh Baraiya from Bhander has triggered a major political storm in Madhya Pradesh, attracting sharp criticism and condemnation.

During a media interview, Baraiya, referring to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities, said that women from these backgrounds are targeted more due to a ‘distorted belief system’. Citing an ancient book, he called the Rudrayamal Tantra, MLA added that offenders think sexual offence against certain women would bring them spiritual merit equivalent to a pilgrimage.

Citing cases involving minors, MLA said that these crimes are not done by individuals but by groups, asserting that such crimes stem from a ‘perverted mindset’ fuelled by these beliefs.

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"Who are the most victims of rape in India? Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs. The theory of rape is that if a man, regardless of his mental state, is walking down the road and sees a beautiful girl, it can distract his mind and make him rape a woman," he said.

SC, ST, OBC Women Are Raped For Spiritual Merits

MLA further said that women belonging ot SC, ST or OBC communities are not that beautiful, but they are still raped because of the same distorted belief system written in their scripture.

"It is written that by having intercourse with a woman of this caste, you will get the reward of a pilgrimage. Now, if he can't go on a pilgrimage, then what is the alternative? Have intercourse at home, and you will be rewarded... He will try to rape her by grabbing her in the dark or light. A man cannot rape a woman without her consent. That's why four-month-old and one-year-old girls are raped. He does it for a reward."

Congress Distances Itself From Remark

Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari distanced the party from the remarks. "No rape can be justified in any way. Anyone who commits rape is a criminal. It cannot be linked to caste or religion,” Jitu Patwari said.

The Madhya Pradesh unit of the All India Brahmin Society strongly condemned the statement. State President Pushpendra Mishra said these remarks insult women and the entire society. He demanded strict action and accountability from those responsible.

BJP Calls Remark A Result Of ‘Perverted Mindset’

Calling the remark the reflection of ‘perverted mindset’, Madhya Pradesh BJP media in-charge Ashish Agarwal said the remarks were not a slip of the tongue but a serious ideological exposure.

"Weighing women on the scale of 'beauty' and describing heinous crimes against Dalit and tribal women as a so-called sacred act is misogyny, anti-Dalit thinking and a direct assault on humanity," he said.

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Agarwal further questioned if the remark reflection of the party's real ideology behind its "Save the Constitution" campaign. He demanded either an immediate apology and expulsion of Baraiya or a clear acknowledgement from the Congress.

In January 2026, he drew criticism for saying SC-ST MLAs were in a "dog-like condition" under the joint electoral system and opposing tribal identity within Hinduism.


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