Diluting gravity of rapes

Political opportunism is interpreted in different ways, but usually refers to one or more of the following: a political style of aiming to increase one's political influence at any price, or a political style that involves seizing every and any opportunity to extend political influence, whenever such opportunities arise. The practice of abandoning or compromising, in reality, some important political principles that were previously held, in the process of trying to increase one's political power and influence is explicit nowadays.

A trend of thought, or a political tendency, seeking to make political capital out of situations with the main aim of gaining more influence, prestige or support, instead of truly winning people over to a principled position or improving their political understanding is very disgusting, though. Unnao and Kathua crimes are not just two isolated crimes.

These are symptoms of a larger malice that has afflicted the nation. Those in support of the perpetrators of those disgusting and dastardly acts forget the very fact that they are attempting to divide the nation not only along religious but also along political lines. It is like saying: 'Look! this is my party's country and those who do not agree with us are anti-nationals.”

Usually opportunist political behaviour is criticised for being short-sighted or narrow-minded. That is, in the urge to make short-term political gains or preserve them, the appropriate relationship between the means being used and the overall goals being aimed for is overlooked. The result might well be that "short term gain" leads to "long term pain." Thus, after opportunist mistakes have been made and recognized, a lot of soul searching may occur, or "a return to principles" may be advocated, so that the proper relationship between people's principles and their actions is restored.

That does not seem to be the case with the present powers-that-be. In case of political controversies, it is always observed how far one could go without compromising on principles or abandoning an agreed-on code of ethics. But what code of conduct could be talked of in case of rapes and murders? Or is this the new norm in the country whereupon people are forced to evaluate the situation where it is uncertain how principles should be applied or how people should respond to it?

The wave of anger and revulsion should have been noticed by the political parties that seek to sow discord among people under these circumstances, too. No, it has not. What should have been debated is the punishment part. Should death be given in case of crimes against humanity? Politics is taking over and the crimes per se are forgotten. Our country seems to have become a breeding ground of criminals and marauders. Those who are doing this to our children deserve no nepotism or leniency.

Give them death and nothing less. A woman's dignity and life are far more valuable than those of these rapists. Coming to the politics surrounding rape, should not there be a bigger discussion too? Apart from a 'Me Too" campaign, there is a need for another one: 'Hang Them Too" campaign.