M A I N   N E W S

BJP delegation calls on Prez, seeks special Parliament session
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 24
As a wave of anger and protests continues to sweep across the capital against the gang rape of a young woman, President Pranab Mukherjee today acknowledged there was a “sense of national outrage” on the incident.

The President shared his thoughts with a BJP delegation that called on him today urging his intervention in directing the Central Government to summon a special session of Parliament to discuss and take measures over the security and safety of women in the country.

The BJP delegation led by party veteran L K Advani came hours after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh assured the nation that the Government will take all possible steps to ensure safety and security of women in the country.

“The anger and agony of the youth is understandable. There is a sense of national outrage,” President told the BJP delegation.

Separately, he told a women's delegation led by CPM's Brinda Karat he shared their anguish and understands the anger and strong reaction to the December 16 incident by the youth who were like his grandchildren, a Rashtrapati Bhawan spokesman said adding that Mukherjee said the question was how to respond and convert without delay into strict action.

Earlier, stating the presence of a “genuine and justified anger and anguish at the ghastly crime of gang rape”, Prime Minister Dr Singh addressed the nation on national television. “As a father of three daughters myself, I feel as strongly about this as each one of you. My wife, my family and I are all joined in our concern for the young woman who was the victim of this heinous crime. We are constantly monitoring her medical condition. Let us all pray for her and her loved ones during this critical time.”

Expressing deep sadness at the violent turn of events on Sunday, the Prime Minister once again emphasised that while anger at this crime was justified, violence would not serve any purpose, repeating his Sunday night statement.

“I assure you that we will make all possible efforts to ensure security and safety of women in this country. The Home Minister has already spoken about the steps being taken. We will examine without delay not only the responses to this terrible crime but also all aspects concerning the safety of women and children and punishment to those who commit these monstrous crimes", he said.

His Government, the PM said, will keep the citizens informed of the steps being taken and the processes being followed and appealed to all sections of the society to maintain peace and help the Government in its efforts.

On the other hand, expressing solidarity with the youth for waging a “relentless battle against crime against women”, the BJP too assured it will be in the vanguard of “this crusade and strive to get justice to the rape victim”.

After the party meeting, BJP leader Sushma Swaraj termed the Government's handling of the emotional upsurge as "non-serious", and upheld the demonstrations by the young on the streets seeking both accountability and action.

Sushma said both she and veteran leader LK Advani spoke to the Prime Minister and others for a special session and all-party meet to discuss the whole issue and find tangible solutions, which the Government rejected.

“The entire response of the Government is not only grossly indifferent but also a deliberate attempt to ignore the popular anger with impunity,” she said.