We have really run out of explanations for why on earth there’s so much taboo concerning sex in this country!
The latest incident that is making us cringe is the amount of mockery and flak Gujarat Patidar leader Hardik Patel is being subjected to for a video that purportedly shows him having sex.
For two days now, social media has been abuzz with the news of an alleged leaked ‘sex CD’ of Patel.
The fact that the CD has been leaked just ahead of elections in Gujarat is not lost on anybody. Because what better way to ruin someone’s chances of winning an election than accusing them of a ‘sex scandal’?
Dated May 16, 2017, the video clip featuring Hardik Patel (unverified claim) with an unknown woman in a hotel room was first aired by local Gujarati news channels on Monday which has since blown into a ‘sex scandal’.
Patel has termed it fake. In fact, he had predicted about 10 days ago that a “doctored CD” would emerge in public domain and called it a cheap ploy by BJP to tarnish his image.
अब गंदी राजनीति की शुरुआत हो गई हैं।मुझे बदनाम कर लो कोई फ़र्क़ नहीं पड़ेगा,लेकिन गुजरात की महिलाओ का अपमान किया जा रहा हैं।
— Hardik Patel (@HardikPatel_) November 13, 2017
Political blame game
However, BJP leader Mansukh Mandaviya has denied party’s role and instead demanded Patel to file a complaint.
“The BJP has nothing to do with Hardik Patel’s video. Instead of blaming the BJP, Hardik Patel should have filed a complaint,” he was quoted as saying by TOI.
But things soon took an ugly turn when Ashwin Sankdasaria, former PASS convener and supporter of Hardik’s Patidar agitation came out in public alleging that Patel has a history of exploiting women.
“I separated from Hardik as he exploited several girls, including a Patidar one. Hardik’s aides from Surat, Morbi and Rajkot also exploited girls.”
“Hardik came to me in Delhi in 2015 with a girl claiming her to be his wife. He went to Manali and I have all the records and audio clips. If Hardik will not clarify now, I will produce the records in next four days,” Ashwin alleged, as reported by TOI.
But wait, what’s the big fuss even if it’s true?
Despite opposition and flak, Hardik has found support on Twitter with users questioning not only the authenticity of the leaked videos, but also defending the 24-year-old’s right to privacy. They are raising valid questions concerning consensual sex.
Dear media: A “sex CD” of any politician of any party is a valid scoop only when it shows rape or if the sexual act obstructed or affected official/public duties. Otherwise it is an “invasion into privacy” CD. Having sex is not illegal in India. Get a sense of proportion.
— Neelesh Misra (@neeleshmisra) November 14, 2017
Dear Hardik Patel, don’t worry. I m with you. And right to sex is a fundamental right. No one has right to breach your privacy.
— Jignesh Mevani (@jigneshmevani80) November 13, 2017
So is having consensual sex is unconstitutional?? You were born without two adults having sex? Kuch bhi. As long as there is no forced sex, what’s the problem in two adults involving in it? It’s so cheap of BJP too make this an issue. As if none of BJP leaders have sex
— free spirit (@kiboufire) November 13, 2017
Dude – I will kill myself if Jon Snow doesn’t have sex with his aunt in the final episode of season 7
Same dude – How can Hardik Patel have sex before marriage? This is shameful.— SAGAR (@sagarcasm) November 13, 2017
Hardik Patel had sex!
So what? Why should that concern us?— Gappistan Radio (@GappistanRadio) November 13, 2017
If you want to identify people who dont believe in consensual sex just check who is attacking Hardik Patel today. https://t.co/PPBsbIlrkC
— Dushyant (@atti_cus) November 14, 2017
The people calling that #HardikPatel video a “sex scandal” have clearly never had sex, nor ever looked up the word ‘scandal’.
— Mitali Saran (@mitalisaran) November 14, 2017
As a journalist totally opposed to stories invasive of personal lives- whether that of PM, RG or #HardikPatel – unless proven public interest issues involved or consent in question. These stupid stories are an embarrassment to journalism, no matter who the politician/party is
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) November 14, 2017
जियो गुजरात के लाल। https://t.co/VuTtCMjHZP
— Alka Lamba (@LambaAlka) November 13, 2017
oh please. we are born from peacock tears 😂
— Shefali (@shefazzle) November 14, 2017
Young India, will you vote for a party, that thinks it is legitimate politcs, to publicize for an electoral battle, a 24 year old’s sex life? #HardikPatel
— SANJAY HEGDE (@sanjayuvacha) November 14, 2017
Hardik Patel sex CD!
I don’t understand the fuss. Indians don’t have sex?We are now over 1.3 billion by immaculate conception?Has the girl complained of rape?Is she a minor?Is he a minor?What’s the Big Deal?If they don’t have sex as young ppl they will do it at 60?— Rajiv Kunwar Bajaj (@rkbnow) November 14, 2017
Where is the “scandal” in consensual sex? The scandal is that @HardikPatel_‘s fundamental right to privacy has been infringed upon.
Conservatives who don’t understand consent are aghast that the woman wasn’t resisting Hardik. Aisa bhi koi sex hota hai?— Akshay Marathe (@AkshayMarathe) November 14, 2017
I don’t like this goon – Hardik Patel – at all. But trying to tarnish his image with a video of him enjoying a fuck with a willing partner is bloody lame for 2017. Only primitive-brained sanghis can think up an ancient ploy like this. “Swayam-seva” is all they are destined to do.
— Sasidharan Pazhoor (@inquestioner) November 14, 2017
I am too, @HardikPatel_ . Right to consensual intercourse is a basic right, as is the right to privacy. https://t.co/Qe7wzKqezg
— Karuna Nundy (@karunanundy) November 13, 2017
As many users unite to defend one’s choice of pre-marital sex, one can only wonder, has time finally come to cut the slack around sex?
(Feature image source: Reuters)
