Keeping up with UP | Sexual assault: Preaching, practice and politics

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has drawn attention to the growing crisis of children born out of wedlock and abandoned on the streets, highlighting deep-rooted societal issues intertwined with sexual assault and women's safety. Speaking at the convocation ceremony of APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University, Patel remarked on how young couples often elope despite parental opposition, leading to pregnancies and the eventual abandonment of children by families unwilling to accept the consequences. Her remarks underscored the lack of support for such children, leaving them to rely solely on the government for care. Although Patel did not cite specific statistics, her comments reflect broader concerns about the treatment of vulnerable groups and the systemic failures in addressing sexual violence. The governor’s remarks come amid heightened tensions in Meerut, western Uttar Pradesh, following the murder of a 20-year-old Dalit woman. The victim’s family alleges she was raped before being killed, yet the Meerut police have not confirmed the sexual assault claims. This case has ignited protests and political discourse, with local leaders debating the appropriate response. The incident occurred in a region where the BJP’s controversial “love jihad” narrative, suggesting Muslim men target Hindu women for conversion, has influenced voter behavior, despite the party’s limited focus on combating sexual violence. The controversy has further polarized political factions, particularly among the Jatav community, a sub-caste of Dalits. Political figures such as Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati and Azad Samaj Party (ASPA) head Chandrashekhar Azad have clashed over strategies to address the issue. Mayawati urged legal action, while Azad advocated for mass protests. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav, known for his advocacy of Dalit rights, visited the victim’s family in Delhi. These diverging approaches reveal the complexity of mobilizing political will to tackle systemic injustice. Official records show that fast-track courts, designed to expedite convictions in sexual assault cases, have resulted in 2064 convictions since July 7, 2023, out of 5618 identified cases. Since Yogi Adityanath took office in 2017, 33,159 individuals have been convicted in crimes against women and adolescents, including 4,655 for sexual assault and 14,886 under the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Despite these numbers, critics argue that punitive measures remain insufficient and that political agendas continue to marginalize gender-based violence as a key election issue. Analysts suggest that political parties prioritize religious and caste identities over social reform, citing the common refrain that voters choose candidates based on communal affiliations rather than policy positions. This dynamic has rendered issues like sexual assault less prominent in campaign platforms. Political strategist noted that even the introduction of a 33% reservation for women in state legislatures has not translated into tangible improvements for vulnerable communities, as empowerment rhetoric lacks practical impact. However, there are signs of potential progress. In recent months, the UP government has partnered with the Study Hall Education Foundation to introduce a new curriculum focused on sex education in schools. This initiative aims to foster awareness about healthy relationships and personal boundaries, potentially serving as a foundational step toward long-term cultural change. While this effort is still in its early stages, it represents one of the few concrete steps taken to address the root causes of sexual violence. The ongoing debate surrounding sexual assault in Uttar Pradesh reflects a complex interplay of social norms, political strategy, and institutional failure. Until lawmakers and policymakers make addressing sexual violence a central priority, the cycle of neglect and impunity is likely to persist. For now, the focus remains on the urgent need for legislative reforms, improved law enforcement, and a shift in public consciousness.