Lal Singh Kathua controversy Congress
Controversial Nomination of Lal Singh
Congress has sparked significant controversy by nominating Chaudhary Lal Singh, a supporter of the accused in the Kathua rape case, to contest from the Basohli constituency in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. The decision, announced on Monday, September 9, has drawn widespread criticism due to Lal Singh’s history of supporting the perpetrators involved in the brutal gang rape and murder of Asifa Bano, an eight-year-old nomad girl in 2018.
Background of the Kathua Controversy
In 2018, the Lal Singh Kathua controversy gained national attention when Lal Singh, then a minister in the BJP-led Jammu and Kashmir government, participated in a rally organized by local Hindutva leaders. The rally supported the accused in the gang rape and murder of Asifa Bano. Singh questioned the police investigation, claiming that the rape was part of a conspiracy against Hindus. His statements and actions at the rally led to widespread condemnation and a public outcry, ultimately resulting in his resignation.
The party has fielded Chaudhary Lal Singh from Basohli. A prominent face, Mr. Singh had left the Congress after the 2014 general election and had joined the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) and had served as a Minister in the PDP-BJP coalition government. However, he had courted controversy by supporting some of the accused in the Kathua gang rape case.
Mr. Singh, who had floated the Dogra Swabhiman Sangathan, rejoined the Congress before thee 2024 Lok Sabha election and unsuccessfully contested from the Udhampur Lok Sabha seat against Union Minister Jitendra Singh.
Details of the Kathua Case
The Lal Singh Kathua controversy revolves around the horrific incident where the young victim, Asifa Bano, was kidnapped and gang-raped for a week inside a temple. According to reports by Al Jazeera, the victim endured severe assault to the extent that her uterus was exposed. Following this, she was strangled, and her head was struck twice with a stone to ensure her death. The brutal nature of the crime shocked the nation and led to national outrage. Singh’s support for the accused, identified as Parvesh Kumar Sanji Ram, Deepak Khajuria, and Parvesh Kumar, further fueled the controversy.
Congress’ Third Candidate List and Political Implications
In its third list for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls, Congress has also nominated JKPCC working president Raman Bhalla from RS Pura-Jammu South and former NSUI chief Neeraj Kundan from Bishnah (SC). With these additions, Congress has declared a total of 34 candidates for the upcoming elections. However, the Lal Singh Kathua controversy overshadows these announcements, raising questions about the party’s candidate selection process and its stance on sensitive issues.
National Reaction and Political Backlash
The decision to field Lal Singh has sparked widespread criticism from various political parties and civil society groups. Many have condemned Congress for aligning with a figure associated with such a controversial and sensitive case. The Lal Singh Kathua controversy has reignited debates on political accountability and the ethical considerations in candidate selection.
Legal and Social Ramifications
The Lal Singh Kathua controversy serves as a reminder of the broader issues of justice and accountability in high-profile criminal cases. Singh’s nomination has not only stirred political backlash but also reopened wounds related to the Kathua case. It highlights the challenges that political parties face in balancing electoral strategies with public sentiment and ethical standards.
Disclaimer
The Lal Singh Kathua controversy is a sensitive topic involving legal proceedings and public reactions. The information provided here is based on available reports and public statements. Readers are encouraged to refer to official sources for further details on the legal outcomes related to the case.