Congress on Thursday fielded the mother of 2017 Unnao rape victim as its candidate for next month’s assembly election in Uttar Pradesh. Asha Singh, the Unnao victim’s mother, was among those who featured in the first list released by the party today.

“Our list sends a new message that if you have been a victim of harassment and torture, the Congress will support you,” Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, as she released the list.

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The Congress Genenral Secretary also said that forty per cent of the tickets have been reserved for women.

The Congress, which has been reduced to a virtual non-player in Uttar Pradesh, has been focusing on gender equality in view of an increase in crimes against women in the state.

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Some of these cases — including the gangrape of a Dalit woman in Hathras, and the case in Unnao — made headlines and provoked outrage across the country.

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Uttar Pradesh will go to poll in seven phases to elect 403 MLAs between February 10 and March 7. The counting of votes will be held on March 10.