Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 14 Nov: BJP state spokesperson Hani Pathak on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Congress leader and former Cabinet minister Harak Singh Rawat over the Jenny case, alleging that instead of taking oaths and making emotional assertions, he should respond to the serious allegations levelled against him by women and clarify his stand on other issues that have surfaced over the years.
Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, Pathak said that before taking an oath in the name of Dhari Devi, Rawat should respect religious faith and dignity. She claimed that he had made similar assertions in the past and subsequently failed to adhere to them. Referring to the Jenny case, she said the matter had resurfaced because the woman concerned had once again come forward seeking justice over allegations of sexual exploitation. In such a situation, she said, Rawat should answer the serious allegations made against him rather than attempting to divert attention from the issue.
The BJP spokesperson also raised questions regarding Rawat’s earlier claim of resigning from a ministerial post in connection with the matter. She said that the government was under his own party’s leadership at the time and that he should now explain his position in view of the allegations that have again come into public discussion.
Pathak said speaking out against alleged sexual exploitation was a collective responsibility and such sensitive matters should not be subjected to political exploitation. She maintained that BJP had consistently acted against people facing allegations involving women, citing instances where the party had taken disciplinary action, including expulsion of those accused of wrongdoing. According to her, BJP neither supports nor provides protection to people accused of moral misconduct.
She further referred to allegations of mental harassment levelled in the past by Rawat’s wife, Deepti Rawat, and said that she too deserves justice. Pathak also sought answers from the Congress leader regarding allegations linked to an alleged land fraud involving property belonging to a differently abled person, asserting that he should come forward and clarify the facts in all such matters.
Raising the issue of a DNA test, Pathak questioned why Rawat is allegedly reluctant to undergo another examination.
The BJP spokesperson reiterated that the party believes allegations concerning women should be taken seriously and examined impartially, and said public confidence could only be maintained when those facing questions address them directly and transparently.
