Chandigarh: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday shared a video showing a female Congress worker being molested on stage during a party event in Haryana. The incident occurred in the presence of Congress MP Deepender Hooda and other senior leaders. The BJP condemned the Congress, labeling it the most "anti-women party," while Congress MP Kumari Selja called for strict action against those responsible.

The controversy unfolded on the day Haryana held its Assembly polls, where the Congress is vying to prevent the BJP from securing a historic third consecutive term. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla shared the video on social media, questioning the silence of Deepender Hooda, who was present at the event, and accusing the Congress of fostering a culture of misconduct towards women.

Congress = Party of Molestors ? pic.twitter.com/vXlsaNbkQL

— Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) October 5, 2024

"A very shameful video has emerged. It is being circulated widely, and Kumari Selja has confirmed its authenticity. In broad daylight, on a Congress platform, with Deepender Hooda standing by, a female leader was harassed and abused by Congress workers. If women in Congress are not safe on public platforms, how can the women of Haryana feel secure?" Poonawalla said.

He further accused the Congress of having an "anti-women mindset" and pointed out that the female leader's discomfort was clearly visible in the video. Poonawalla also alleged that several women Congress leaders had left the party due to inappropriate behavior from male colleagues. He called on Congress leaders Priyanka Vadra and Rahul Gandhi to take action against Hooda's supporters.

"Many female leaders have exited the Congress because of misconduct by so-called Congress men. Yet Priyanka Vadra, who often speaks about women's empowerment, remains silent. The Congress symbolizes an anti-women mentality. Will Priyanka Vadra and Rahul Gandhi act against Hooda's supporters?" Poonawalla added.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini echoed the criticism, stating that disrespect towards women is embedded in the culture of the Congress. He pledged that the government would take action if a formal complaint was filed, emphasizing that women are a vital part of society. "If we receive a complaint, we will act swiftly. Our government will take strict measures and ensure no one is spared. Women play a crucial role in society, and their safety is paramount," Saini said.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Kumari Selja condemned the incident and called for accountability. She revealed that she had spoken to the victim, who confirmed that she was inappropriately touched and elbowed during the event. Selja, whose relations with the Hooda faction have reportedly been strained in the lead-up to the elections, expressed her outrage.

"I spoke with her, and she told me that some people were touching her and trying to push her off the stage. The video clearly shows this, and when I asked her directly, she confirmed that someone had misbehaved with her. If this can happen to a woman today, it is deeply condemnable. Immediate action must be taken," Selja told reporters.

The incident has added to the political tensions in Haryana, with both parties trading barbs over the issue, just as the state heads to the polls.

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