Guwahati: Union HRD minister and one of the high-profile leaders of the BJP, Smriti Irani on Monday accused Congress government in Assam of failing to protect women and their dignity even as BJP workers engaged in street fight with Congress workers in front of the state Congress headquarter in the city over a derogatory and sexist comment made in reference to her by a former Congress minister and incumbent MLA, Nilamoni Sen Deka on Sunday.
Addressing a BJP workers’ rally at Nalbari, about 70 kms from here, Irani commented that crimes against women had steadily increased in the state in the 15-year Congress rule in the state.
She said, “Over 75000 cases of crimes against women have been registered in the state in last 10 years.” Referring to clash between BJP and Congress workers in front of Congress headquarters here on Monday and police action against BJP workers who tried to lay siege to the state Congress headquarter, Irani said the police action smacked of the government’s indifferent attitude towards anyone hurling insult on women.
She said, “The police action was against BJP workers who were protesting against insult of women. I urge the BJP workers to reply at the booth level by making a ‘Congress mukt’ Assam.”
Nilamoni Sen Deka later withdrew his comment made against Smriti Irani and stated that he was ready to face any action taken by the party for making such comment. He also stated that he was ready face any legal action that may be brought by the BJP against him because of his controversial comment.Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Anjan Dutta on Monday termed the BJP workers’ attempt to lay siege to Rajiv Bhawan unwarranted as the Congress leader NIlamoni SEn DEka had already tendered public apology for his comments and withdrew the same.
