New Delhi, Apr 13 (PTI) The AAP today criticised BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi for her comments that rival parties were "selectively" picking the rape cases in Kathua and Unnao to target the Centre, and said her remarks reflected the "arrogance and insensitivity" of the saffron party.

Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Atishi Marlena said the BJP, which is in power at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir - where the incidents of rape have taken place, must promptly take action in the cases and ensure that steps are taken to make Dalits, minorities and women feel safe.

"Statements by BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi today reflects the insensitivity and arrogance of the BJP," Marlena said.

The brutal rape and killing of an eight-year-old in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir and another of a 17-year-old girl in Unnao in Uttar Pradesh allegedly involving a BJP legislator have triggered a nation-wide outrage.

And two Jammu and Kashmir BJP ministers - Lal Singh and Chander Prakash - supporting the Kathua gangrape accused last month at a rally has added to the public anger.

Today, when Lekhi was asked whether the BJP would take action against the two ministers, she defended them saying they were "misled and misguided".

"The lesson for them is allow the law to take its own course before opening your mouth," Lekhi said.

Lekhi also claimed the two incidents were "selectively" highlighted to target the BJP, and said a similar case of rape and murder of a minor girl in Assam never got the prominence that the Kathua and Unnao cases received.

However, later in the evening Prime Minister Narendra Modi said justice will be done to the victims.

"I want to assure the nation that no criminal will be spared. Justice will be done. Our daughters will get justice," he said at an event to inaugurate the B R Ambedkar memorial in New Delhi.

Shortly after that, the two BJP ministers submitted their resignation to J&K party chief.

Earlier today, AAP's Delhi unit convenor Gopal Rai said the party will be launching an agitation on the issue of women security, beginning with a protest at the prime minister's residence on Sunday. The party's volunteers will begin a march to the PM's residence from Patel Chowk at 5pm.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)