Politicians Tell Us Why Rape is a Woman’s Fault (And Other Gems)

Ever wondered why Indian women are afraid of reporting sexual assault? It’s because we have been repeatedly told that rape is a woman’s fault, by our leaders.

Here's a handy compilation of misogynist statements made by Indian politicians over the years; perpetuating a culture of victim blaming, endorsing misogyny and promoting child marriage along the way. (Looking at you, Mr Om Prakash Chautala.)

‘Rape Takes Place in Cities, Not Villages’ – 2013

Rapes take place in cities and not in villages. Such incidents happen due to the influence of western culture and women wearing less clothes.

Mohan Bhagwat, Chief, Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS)

‘Ants Will Swarm the Place Where Sugar Is’ – 2017

The more the nudity, the more a girl is considered fashionable. Ants will swarm the place where sugar is.

Abu Azmi, Samajwadi Party Leader 

‘Boys Are Boys, They Make Mistakes’ – 2014

Should rape cases lead to hanging? Boys are boys, they make mistakes

Mulayam Singh Yadav, Samajwadi Party Leader 

‘Child Marriage is A Solution to Rape’ – 2012

Child marriage is a solution to rape and other atrocities against women.

Om Prakash Chautala, Former Haryana Chief Minister 

‘Rape is Sometimes Right and Wrong’ – 2014

Rape is a social crime which depends on the man and the woman. It is sometimes right and sometimes wrong

Babulal Gaur, Bharatiya Janata Party leader

‘Is it Proper for Women to Move at Midnight?’ – 2012

Just because the country attained independence at midnight, is it proper for women moving at midnight?

Botsa Satyanarayana, Andhra Pradesh Congress leader, commenting on the Delhi gang rape

‘90% of Girls Consensually Go With Men and Become Targets of Rape’ – 2012

I have no hesitation in saying that about 90 percent of the girls consensually go with men and become targets of rape.

Dharamveer Goyat, Hisar Congress, when asked about the rising number of rape cases in Haryana

‘Rapes Happen Because Men and Women Interact’ – 2012

Rapes happen because men and women interact freely.

Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal ChiefMinister

‘Sau Tunch Maal Hai’ – 2013

Our party MP, Meenakshi Natrajan, is a Gandhian, simple and an honest leader.I am a seasoned smith of politics. Meenakshi sau tunch maal hai.

Digvijaya Singh, Congress leader

‘Women Should Not be So Adventurous’ – 2008

All by herself till 3 am in a city where people believe... you know... you should not be so adventurous.

Sheila Dikshit, former Delhi Chief Minister

‘As Time Passes, Like the Victory, a Wife Loses Her Charm’ – 2012

Like a new victory, a new marriage has its own importance, but as time passes, like the victory, a wife loses her charm.

Sriprakash Jaiswal, former Coal Minister, Congress