BJP unimpressed with Sushilkumar Shinde's letter on change in rape law

BJP on Monday appeared unimpressed with Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde's letters to all parties soliciting their opinion on changing anti-rape laws, saying it will use Parliament as a forum to voice its views and called for a special session.

"We will use the floor of Parliament to voice our opinion. We are ready to extend full cooperation to the government but Congress is not ready to call a special session of Parliament due to its adamant attitude and arrogance," BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said.

BJP reiterated its demand for calling a special session of Parliament to pass stringent laws to give strong punishment to those who commit crimes against women.

"This government is ready to talk about the issue in the Congress office or in front of the Verma Commission but is not ready to convene a special session of Parliament. It is scared of the people and those who have been elected by them," Hussain said.

The BJP leader maintained it is this "fear factor" in facing the Opposition that is preventing the government from calling a Parliament session.

But the main opposition is confident Congress will finally accept its demand.

"This is Congress way of functioning. First, they don't agree to our demand and later give in. They did so on the FDI in retail issue when they finally agreed to have a discussion under Rule 184 (which entails voting). Government will agree to a special session after a few days. It is a Congress habit," Hussain said.