Ahead of the upcoming Haryana assembly elections 2024, people have started comparing the current regime with erstwhile governments of Congress and INLD's Om Prakash Chautala. Their tenure is often recalled as a period marked by heightened crime, corruption, and injustice. Particularly, Dalits and women faced severe violence and discrimination.
Violence Against DalitsDuring Congress's rule, several violent incidents against Dalits occurred. One notable incident was the Mirchpur attack in 2010, where Dalit families were targeted, resulting in the deaths of a 70-year-old man and his disabled daughter. This event drew significant criticism towards the Congress government for its perceived insensitivity towards Dalit issues.
The plight of Scheduled Castes (SCs) during Bhupinder Singh Hooda's administration was described as alarming. There was a notable lack of investigation or conviction under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. Crimes against women from the SC community also saw a sharp increase during this period.
Crimes Against WomenCrimes against women surged during Congress's rule. The Manohar Singh rape and murder case in 2012 sparked widespread outrage across Haryana. Numerous gang rapes also occurred during this time, highlighting the state's deteriorating law and order situation.
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data revealed an increase in rape cases between 2010 and 2014. Additionally, cases of dowry deaths and domestic violence rose significantly during this period.
Controversial StatementsCongress's response to these crimes has been heavily criticized. Party spokesperson Dharambir Goyat controversially stated that the state government is not responsible for rapes, claiming most cases involved consensual sex. This statement reflected a disregard for women's safety and dignity within the party.
Chautala Family RuleThe Chautala family's rule in Haryana was equally contentious, with numerous accusations regarding law and order issues. Both Congress and the Chautala family have faced criticism for their handling of crime and justice in the state.
Overall, the governance of Congress and Chautala in Haryana is remembered for increased crime rates, corruption, and a lack of justice. The most vulnerable communities, such as Dalits and women, bore the brunt of oppression during their tenure.