Mumbai, July 11: NCP (SP) leader Nasim Siddiqui expressed support on Saturday for the controversial comments made by Maulana Sajid Rashidi, president of the All India Imam Association. Rashidi had linked cases of sexual assault to the delayed marriages of women, stating, “At least 50 percent of rape cases occur because women are not married early.”
Earlier, on Friday, Rashidi sparked significant controversy with similar remarks during a conversation with the public. He claimed, “Rapes are happening because marriages are being delayed. If you want to ensure the safety of your daughters, marry them off early.”
In an interview with a news agency, Siddiqui defended Rashidi’s statement, asserting, “What he said is absolutely correct.” He elaborated, “Just as the human body has different needs, and people require food, sex is also a natural human need for men. Men can engage in sexual relations before marriage, but they are not judged for it, while women often face social stigma.”
Siddiqui further claimed, “Somewhere, delayed marriages are also a reason for rape and sexual exploitation.” He urged that this issue should not be misinterpreted.
He added, “If girls are allowed to vote at 18, it means they are adults, and boys become adults by 21. Therefore, there should be no obstacles to marriage. As soon as a girl reaches adulthood, she should be married off as soon as possible.”
He noted, “When marriages are delayed, in today’s technologically advanced era, people have access to all kinds of information via mobile phones and may get involved in inappropriate activities. Hence, Rashidi’s statement should be taken positively.”
Siddiqui also mentioned, “At least 50 percent of rapes occur because women are not married early and then get caught up in love triangles.”
Earlier, Babita Chauhan, chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission, criticized the Muslim cleric, accusing him of having a ‘narrow mindset.’ She stated, “Today, women in India have made the country proud in various fields, even on a global level. Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks of women’s empowerment and aims to bring them on par with men, as women constitute half of the country’s population. If we are still lagging, it is due to such mindsets.”
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