The midnight protests against the Kathua and Unnao rape cases were called politicisation of the issue by Union minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani. Irani also appealed against victim shaming. Thousands gathered at Delhi's India Gate after Congress president Rahul Gandhi had tweeted about holding a silent march on April 12. Gandhi said the incidents were a national issue and not a political one. Meanwhile, UP CM Yogi Adityanath defended his government's actions in connection with the Unnao rape case.