NEW DELHI – RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Friday asked why Prime MinisterNarendra Modi was “mum” on rapes in BJP-governed states, joining aburgeoning list of public figures who’ve condemned the alleged gangrapesreported in Unnao and Kathua.

The BJP governs Uttar Pradesh, where Unnao is located. Kathua is in Jammuand Kashmir, which is run by a PDP (People’s Democratic Party)-BJPadministration.

“Make in India..,” Yadav wrote at the beginning of his tweet, referring tothe BJP government’s flagship indigenous manufacturing drive – “…to Rapein India.”

Tejashwi had more questions: Why are all women MPs, MLAs and ministers ofthe BJP “tight-lipped” on such rapes? Why do they adopt a “selective,negative and religious approach” on crimes against women?

Yadav made these remarks on a day when Congress leaders, including RahulGandhi, lead a candlelight vigil for the victims of the Kathua and Unnaorape cases at India Gate in New Delhi.

But BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi, during a press conference, said Congressand the Opposition were “playing politics over the issues.”

“You see their plan, first they shout ‘minority minority’, then ‘DalitDalit’, and now ‘women women’ and then try to somehow fix blame of stateissues on the Centre. All this while ignoring the strict action being takenby state governments,” Lekhi said.

Tejashwi Yadav tweeted a riposte.

Dalits, minorities and women all are beautiful creations of God, he said.

“If BJP can’t respect and sympathies (sympathise) with human beings, ifthey can’t criticise bloody rapists, then they are not believer(s) ofhumanity and God,” he added. “Such an irresponsible and egoisticstatement.” – India today