Were the issues raised by Varun Gandhi also legit despite his use of "unfortunate" language? But, we perhaps expect too much from our embedded media and its controllers - one does not know if out of fear or favor, or both.

S. Japhet in the Indian Express:

"If one were to interpret the law keeping its spirit and purpose in mind, the conclusion ought to be that the remark amounts to an offence under the POA Act. Such an interpretation would signal to society that the norm is that such disparaging statements against a person belonging to an SC/ ST is not acceptable; and, further, if a person does insult or intimidate such a person, s/he is taking a risk of being prosecuted and found guilty under the POA Act. This is the principle on which criminal statutes dealing with hate crime are interpreted worldwide. Such a purposive interpretation — one regularly adopted in India in cases involving narcotics, food adulteration and terrorism — ought to be adopted in cases involving atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Tribes."

http://www.indianexp...hate-speech/493914/0

Menaka Guruswamy in the Indian Express:

"The CM could have emerged as a leader from this situation — by condemning the opposition politician’s misogyny. She could have used this situation to highlight what arguably might be a well-intentioned policy that is not meant to cover up a damning problem of violence against women, but only seeks to provide some minimal redress in the form of money. She could have used the situation to highlight the pandemic of violence against women. Instead, by her party members allegedly burning down Joshi’s house, and by her government sanctioning prosecution under severe provisions of criminal law, she lost the moral high ground that she rightly should have enjoyed. By blatantly politicising the application of criminal law, Mayawati has disregarded her years of legal training."

http://www.indianexp...high-ground/492535/0

Mr. Rahul gandhi is yet another political crook whose words and actions have no coordination.
For instance today he chimed no youth with criminal background will be inducted into youth congress. So far so good.
But in last election in Bihar whpo is who of criminal word fought on congress ticket thrown out criminals from RJD LJP JD(U) found safe haven in congress.

May be Rahul Gandhi meant no crime background for youth congress in oldies congress all criminals are welcome..

Vidya Subrahmaniam in the Hindu:

"From Manish Tiwari to Rahul Gandhi, the attempt has been to divert attention from Ms Joshi to the law and order situation in U.P.

Mr. Gandhi in particular has disappointed. It was expected of the young leader to take the moral rather than the political path. In this case, the moral was also the political path. For the last year or so, Mr. Gandhi has been fighting with the BSP chief for a slice of the Dalit vote. Here was his opportunity to prove that the Congress truly cared for the community by clearly and unambiguously denouncing Ms Joshi for her insult of Ms Mayawati."

http://www.hindu.com...2009072155770900.htm

they actually have raped the cause of dalits.

The speech of Rita Bahuguna was inappropriate but issue has been blown out of proportion because it was against Ms Mayawati-Dalit beti.When Mayawati spoke against Gandhiji,where were people who criticise Rita now? Mayawati every now and then tries to show herself as an upholder of Dalits. If she really cared,it would show in her actions.

Evry action or statement by a Congress man or woman is only to please Sonia or Rahul Gandhi.This attack on Mayawathi by Rita Bahuguna is only to be one up on others in pleasing Rahul,who is going allout to conquer UP, enroute to crown himself as an Europen Badshah at Delhi.Dalits should unambiguosly realise that Nehru-Gandhi family has done nothing for them,all these years.

It is absolutely pathetic that Mayawati hides behind "Dalits" whenever suits her and otherwise totally ignores them and takes their support for granted. The most unfortunate part is most dalits could not see it even though it is so blatant.

Let me ask Mrs Bahuguna statistics shows that New Delhi is the rape capital of India.. Is she going to use ecactly those words to the rulers of Delhi be it Shila Dixit or Sonai Gandhi.

WilL rahuL gandhi agrre with the sentiment of those words..

Usual congressi tactis is at work her. Be blind to the propblems where you are in power and shout your lungs out over even slighteste of lacuane wherever otyhers are in power.

Same happend iN Hooch tragedy.. Anyone who knows history of Gujrat will tell you under congress rule Hooch tragedy was yearly affair like a festival it used to come every year. After 15 years of BJP rule one Hooch tragedy has happend and Congressi wud make you believe as if it is some kind of unprecedented event and while they were in power it was all hunky dory.

Both Rita and Maya are guilty of same kind of statement and crime and both or none must be punished.

Actually if you read the whole speech Joshi was trying to point out the apathetic nature of governance in UP (as a matter whole of India). As a seasoned politician Joshi should have known when to stop. She did not and Mayawati twisted the speech to her advantage.

The larger point is that Mayawati keeps wearing here Dalit and woman identity and victimhood as her defense against any criticism.

This is nothing new it was happening to black politicians in the US until Obama happened.

"Ms Joshi's choice of words was particularly unfortunate". Really? Since this magazine is just an extended version of Congress mouthpiece Sandesh, we can understand this is the official line coming from the Empress. Walking a fine line,eh?

Supposedly we are a country that embraces free speech and democracy.

Everything that Mayawati does disgraces that ideal. Joshi can be condemned for her vicious language, but a jail term no matter how short is unjustifiable and the burning of her house should be laid immediately on Mayawati's doorstep.

India Shining indeed.

It is absolutely pathetic that Mayawati hides behind "Dalits" whenever suits her and otherwise totally ignores them and takes their support for granted. The most unfortunate part is most dalits could not see it even though it is so blatant.