New Delhi: All India Mahila Congress President Alka Lamba on Friday sharply criticised the BJP-led central and state governments, accusing them of failing to ensure women’s safety despite the ‘Beti Bachao’ slogan. Addressing a press briefing at the AICC office on Akbar Road, Lamba cited the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2024 data to claim that crimes against women have surged under the Modi government.
Lamba stated that over 42,85,888 cases of crimes against women were recorded between 2014 and 2024. She highlighted that in 2014, approximately 3.4 lakh cases were reported, which rose to nearly 4.42 lakh in 2024 alone. “These are not mere figures — these are our mothers, sisters, and daughters seeking justice,” she said, adding that many victims continue to wait for justice years after filing complaints.
She pointed out that BJP-ruled states dominate the list of high crime areas. Uttar Pradesh topped with around 66,000 cases, followed by Maharashtra (approx. 48,000), Rajasthan (36,000), Madhya Pradesh (32,000), and Bihar (27,000). Delhi, the national capital, also features among the top cities for crimes against women, with reports of over 13,000 rape cases in recent years and more than 1,060 serious cases in the past year, she claimed.
Lamba particularly highlighted the vulnerability of Dalit and tribal women, alleging that NCRB data shows around 10 Dalit women are raped daily across the country. She accused the government of shielding perpetrators, especially those linked to the ruling party, and questioned the lack of convictions and harsh punishments, including under POCSO Act for minors.
Citing specific incidents, Lamba referred to the recent Champawat gang-rape case in Uttarakhand, where a minor girl was allegedly assaulted. She claimed BJP leaders are involved, and the state government under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is trying to suppress the case by pressuring the victim’s family and offering compromises. She also mentioned the Ankita Bhandari case and instances from Himachal Pradesh involving a BJP MLA.
The Mahila Congress chief attacked the BJP’s women-related initiatives as “crocodile tears” and a distraction tactic. She demanded that the government provide data on convictions and executions in these cases during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. Lamba warned that if the government continues to protect the guilty, women across India will have no option but to take to the streets.
She also raised concerns over rising cybercrimes and online harassment against women. Lamba concluded by urging media and society to stand with victims and hold those in power accountable, emphasising that women in India, particularly in BJP-ruled states, feel increasingly unsafe.
