It is shocking that senior BJP leaders have chosen to stay mum on the Bilkis Bano verdict. While we have seen and heard some statements in debates, there is none of the high decibel response that one expects on a judgment and subject of this magnitude. One cannot hide behind legalese, talk about remission in another state, mumble about merits and waffle on about generalities that are designed to obfuscate.

Leaders, first amongst equals, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi needs to speak up on all charges from the party and supporters garlanding the rapists, if untrue debunk it to the criminal act itself. Show the courage to come out and address this, including demands for an apology, the conduct of the Gujarat govt, the remarks of the court on that and the BJP party. While one agrees that this is a big knives-out moment for the Opposition, there is large-scale consensus on the Supreme Court judgment and pronouncements.