In a striking appeal to President Droupadi Murmu, Rohini Khadse, the state women’s wing president of the Nationalist Congress Party (Socialist), has proposed a radical form of justice for women—granting them the right to commit one act of murder in response to severe threats or abuses. This request comes amid rising concerns over women’s safety across India.
Rohini Khadse, daughter of prominent Jalgaon politician and former state minister Eknath Khadse, argued that the government has been consistently indifferent to the escalating threats against women. In her statement, she emphasized, “We aim to eliminate the oppressive mentality and the rapist tendency through stringent measures. Given the government’s inaction, we feel compelled to request such drastic powers.”
Khadse cited the lack of progress on significant legislative reforms such as the Shakti Act, which was initiated by the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government to enhance penalties for crimes against women. She expressed frustration over the continuous delays by the current administration, despite the same party controlling both central and state governments.
In her emotionally charged letter to the President, Khadse invoked historical precedents of valiant women like Maharani Tararani and Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar, who took up arms to defend their realms. “Just as these heroic figures stood up for their people in times of danger, women today are facing a different kind of threat and should not be expected to remain passive,” she argued.
Addressing societal attitudes towards victims of sexual harassment and assault, Khadse criticized the common tendency to blame women for their attire or behavior, questioning the societal norms that allow minors to be victimized without sufficient outrage or action.
Clyde Crasto, a spokesperson for NCP (SP), supported Khadse’s bold proposal, highlighting it as a reflection of both the emboldened nature of criminals and the government’s failure to effectively address and punish such offenses. “The government needs to understand the desperation and frustration leading women like Rohini Khadse to make such demands. Women are looking for real change and a peaceful environment, and this appeal is a dire expression of the urgent need for action,” Crasto stated.
