Change mindset, not food to prevent rape

In a country where every 17 minutes a woman is raped, the crime against women is extremely high. On top of it the bizarre analysis and comments by our political leaders in a dastardly fashion make it even worse. The latest in the list is Vinay Bihari who is a Bihar Minister for Arts, Culture and Youth Affairs.

The Bihar Minister's statement blaming smartphones and non-vegetarian food for rape was another such comments by politicians creating furore.

"I believe that youths use the mobile to watch blue films. Youths don't use the Internet service on their mobile phones to educate themselves but to watch pornography which encourage them to commit rape," said Bihari.

If mobile phones was not enough to blame for such heinous crimes, Mr Bihari continued his analysis by further blaming non-vegetarian food for rape and molestation.

"People who eat more non-vegetarian food like chicken and fish are inclined towards carrying out molestation and rape," said Bihari, a Bhojpuri singer who is the Independent MLA from Lauriya in West Champaran.

Do vegetarians don't commit rapes?

The Minister's appalling comment on rape blaming non-vegetarian food has no justification. According to him non-vegetarian food drives to violent behaviour leading to such crimes like rape and molestation. But does he mean to say that vegetarians don't commit rape.

Paliganj MLA Usha Vidyarthi of the BJP said: "The minister's remark is nonsensical. Rape does not take place due to using mobile phone or eating non-vegetarian food. Rather, it is a perverse and sick mentality that drives people to indulge in such acts. What matters the most is the upbringing of the child and the lesson he/she learns from their parents, teachers and friends."

If the Minister would have compared non-veg food or use of mobile phones for health, than may be it would have been justified but comparing it with rape is not only insult to our women but also shows how illiterate and illogical these politicians are.

According UN reports, one in four men in Asia have committed rape at least once

"Eating non-vegetarian food is good for health as it is full of protein. We prescribe patients fish for omega-3 fatty acids which is good for the heart. Eating non-vegetarian food has no links with rape," said physician Rajiv Ranjan.

In the past there have been cases of several spiritual babas committing rape who were strictly vegetarian. The latest one is of spiritual baba Asaram Babu. This only shows that our politicians should focus on changing their mindset instead of food.

Mr Bihari's comment evokes sharp criticism

His comments evoked sharp criticism from various groups and social activists termed it complete 'nonsense', and demanded immediate sacking of the Minister.

JDU's Neeta Choudhary, who represents Tarapur Assembly seat in Banka district, said: "I have visited foreign countries several times and seen people living a very good life. Using smart phones and eating non-vegetarian food has nothing to do with rape and eve-teasing."

Modi urged lawmakers in Parliament to stop analyzing rape

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had urged lawmakers in the Parliament not to politicise rape incidents and make shocking comments on such issues, but these politicians have learnt no lessons and have been continuously presenting psychoanalysis of rape in front of media.

Bizarre comments by politicians on rape in the past:

Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav had during the election campaign said "rape accused should not be hanged...Boys will be boys...boys make mistakes".

Actor-turned Trinamool Congress MP Tapas Pal threatened to get opponents raped.

Khap panchayat leader Jitender Chhatar explained, "Chowmein leads to hormonal imbalance, evoking an urge to indulge in acts such as rape and sex. You also know the impact of chowmein, which is a spicy food, on our body. Hence, our elders too advised to eat light and nutritious food."

"Mobile phones are spoiling the atmosphere in schools and colleges. They are used to lure girls to remote places where they are raped," said a report tabled by Karnataka Congress legislator Shakuntala Shetty.

SP MP Ram Gopal Yadav blamed Television for vulgarity and crimes.

Congress MP Abhijit Mukherjee (President Pranab Mukherjee's son) stirred up controversy for his dented painted remark. He had said that these, "sundari, sundari mahila" (pretty, pretty women) at the agitation(December 16 protest), "walking on the streets with candle", were not students.

Post the December16 incident, there have been a shocking 1000 rape cases registered in Delhi alone. According to latest UN reports, one in four men in Asia have committed rape at least once. And our politicians have never stopped make such eccentric comments.