Political reaction to Bahuguna's arrest

The Rita Bahuguna Joshi-Mayawati issue dominated both Houses of the Parliament for the day with many asking for action against the UP Congress chief.

The Congress may not initiate that just yet but Sonia Gandhi seems clearly upset at this war of words.

"Congress party's chief Sonia Gandhi has been silent on the insinuating comments that were made against me. She has not condemned what was said," said Mayawati, Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh.

Mayawati took on Sonia Gandhi pressing the political advantage of Rita Bahuguna Joshi's offensive remarks.

And that is the dilemma for the Congress top leadership, her comments clearly unacceptable and likely to make Mayawati a heroine amongst Dalit voters, but if the party sacks her it will be a huge embarrassment for a state Congress basking in the glow of its recent performance and may upset voters from other castes.

Through the day the Congress response reflected this balancing act distancing themselves from her remarks, yet targeting Mayawati for the burning of the state party chief's residence.

A contradiction, the opposition was quick to pounce upon killing two birds with one stone, the result neither House functioned on Thursday.

"It would be better if the Congress leadership expresses regret," said Sushma Swaraj, spokesperson, BJP.

"People in Uttar Pradesh don't even have the freedom of opinion. If I am a leader from the opposition party, or any other party for that matter, and if I speak my mind there is a possibility I may get prosecuted," said Akhilesh Yadav, leader, SP.

Finally, under pressure in the evening a statement from Sonia Gandhi expressing her anguish at the remarks after watching a CD of the speech but so far no action will be taken against Rita Bahuguna Joshi nor has there been any indication that they will.

"Nothing is done in a hurry Rita is in jail. After she comes out an explanation will be sought and then we will see," said Janardhan Dwivedi, spokesperson, Congress.

On the streets of UP, Congress workers turned out in her support, Moradabad MP Azharruddin also met with her in jail.

Interestingly, Rahul Gandhi is also in Amethi on Friday and has promised to make a detailed statement in his constituency.

In the political din however, what's lost is how a serious crime like rape has been reduced to a political weapon.