Jignesh Mevani calls for helpline to aid intercaste couples

Vadgam MLA Jignesh Mevani on Wednesday called for setting up of a helpline for couples in distress, particularly those who were facing the ire of families or society for marrying outside their caste and religion. Mevani, who made an impromptu visit to an event organised by several non-profits that work with women, said couples were being threatened for falling in love outside religion and caste and for even sitting at Riverfront.

"I will take up the issue of having a helpline for such couples on an urgent basis. It is very much needed," said Mevani. He said February 14 had now become equivalent to April 14 (Ambedkar Jayanti) as, like the latter's struggle, couples were struggling to keep their love alive on Valentine's day," Mevani said.

Mevani, who also read a couplet on the occasion, said several people had said 'I love you' to him but he was not sure if such similar words were ever uttered for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.