Are Twitter trolls writing press releases? Twitter uninpressed by Meenakshi Lekhi's presser on Unnao and Kathua

BJP spokesperson and MP Meenakshi Lekhi on Friday conducted a press conference where she hit out at the Opposition for 'communalising' the Kathua rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl. She also spoke of the Unnao rape of a minor girl, who is now an adult, allegedly at the hands of a BJP MLA, saying that appropriate action has been taken by law enforcement agencies.

Lekhi also said that two MLAs who supported the Kathua accused at rallies in Jammu and Kashmir had been 'misled'. 

“They should not have protested. They should have ideally not commented until an investigation was conducted. The J&K police conducted a thorough investigation and have arrested the accused,” she said, adding that the protests and vigils conducted by Opposition was a ploy to communalise the incident.

While speaking of the Unnao incident, Lekhi said that the incident took place last year, but when the victim approached the court, she did not take Kuldeep Singh Sengar, the accused BJP MLA’s name before the magistrate. “She later took his name, which resulted in the complaint filed by the accused against the victim’s family. Currently, Sengar is being questioned by the CBI, but his brother Atul Singh was arrested for assaulting the victim’s father,” Lekhi told mediapersons .

She also highlighted a rape-and-murder case from Nangaon, Assam where a Class Five girl, aged 12, was raped and burnt alive by a 21-year-old by a three individuals including one named Zakir Hussain. She claimed: "Nobody has reported anything about Zakir Hussain. Please don’t communalise rape cases. All the victims deserve justice."

She went on allege there was conspiracy against the Centre. She said: “You see their plan, first shout 'minority minority', then 'Dalit Dalit', and now 'women women' and then try to somehow fix blame of state issues on the centre. All this while ignoring the strict action being taken by state govts.”

Twitterati were visibly unimpressed:

I would like to remind you @M_Lekhi that BJP ministers are defending the accused in Kathua and BJP MLA is the accused in Unnao. https://t.co/h9SVEWCfzY

— Dushyant (@atti_cus) April 13, 2018

Shocking statement. This party is now playing to the rogues on the troll gallery. The filthiest of trolls. https://t.co/qzmeO25ivD

— Abhisar Sharma (@abhisar_sharma) April 13, 2018

When she gave up all appearances and pretence of caring for human rights. https://t.co/oSXJQSUYS0

— Salil Tripathi (@saliltripathi) April 13, 2018

Government's will react only when crimes are barbaric and there is a candle march? What kind of whataboutery is this? https://t.co/EGTXFQNZYS

— Sucheta Dalal (@suchetadalal) April 13, 2018

Didn’t know that twitter trolls are now writing official press releases. https://t.co/2KoXxPpqoQ

— Sapan Verma (@sapanv) April 13, 2018

Because no other victim is up against ruling politicians ganging up to shield the rapist murderers. Because unless people protest, your party and government will ensure no justice is done in Kathua and Unnao, both of which involve your party leaders as perpetrators or abettors https://t.co/m9rj9y46uh

— Tony Joseph (@tjoseph0010) April 13, 2018

You tell us? Why didn't you lead? Why didn't you speak for them? https://t.co/SLcdiiX5IC

— Neyaz Farooquee (@nafsmanzer) April 13, 2018

Look at the arrogance and lack of sympathy of these BJP leaders

What-aboutism is their trademark reply in every press conference. https://t.co/l1uKUPevM4

— Dhruv Rathee (@dhruv_rathee) April 13, 2018

I know this is a spokesperson. I am curious, though: Is she a woman? A sentient human being, even? https://t.co/u4k9tS7g8k

— Prem Panicker (@prempanicker) April 13, 2018

When in a hole, stop digging.
This is the BJP's official press conference. https://t.co/VLadyFOX0m

— Ankur Bhardwaj (@Bhayankur) April 13, 2018

Stunning arrogance from the BJP making a mockery of legit concerns of Dalit anger, violence against women and sectarian crimes. Better to have remained silent. #Winning https://t.co/OlB1FrZgFC

— Rupa Subramanya (@rupasubramanya) April 13, 2018

BJP doubling down on whataboutery. Some contrition would have been good but this defensiveness and deflection not the best approach given there's palpable public anger on how poorly they've handled these cases. Pity. https://t.co/1J6EaDPF8D

— Rupa Subramanya (@rupasubramanya) April 13, 2018

Dear Meenakshi Lekhi saying “Rajneeti Nahin honi chahiye” and playing politics by mocking the candle light vigil last evening at India gate is not only in poor taste but also a shameless attempt at defaming and mocking those asking for justice for a Child

— RockyandMayur (@rockyandmayur) April 13, 2018

Quite stunning to hear BJP s official stand on Kathua & Unnao... if one thought that UPA 2 s arrogance couldnt be outdone pls watch press conference of Ms. Meenakshi Lekhi

— arun giri (@arungiri) April 13, 2018

This is the kind of reply you got from Kapil Sibbal in 2012. https://t.co/S6KytT8GSh

— JNU वाली लड़की (@JNUkiLadki) April 13, 2018

"Shout minority minority dalit dalit and women women". I'm just going to let this comment from BJP's official press conference sink in. https://t.co/bVSip7Zqjb

— Pragya Tiwari (@PragyaTiwari) April 13, 2018

You're a woman.
Have some shame. https://t.co/z4J6UB7Wwt

— Sahil Shah (@SahilBulla) April 13, 2018

Oh my god.....she is elected representative of the people.... https://t.co/oDNu39TVz4

— ASHUTOSH MISHRA (@ashu3page) April 13, 2018

Deeper and deeper they dig themselves into this abyss of hell. An entire country stunned by the brutal rape and murder of a child, but for BJP it’s shouting “women women”. No further words. #KathuaToday https://t.co/gRARum3bCY

— Rituparna Chatterjee (@MasalaBai) April 13, 2018