National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Rekha Sharma asked for the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the imposition of President’s rule in the state. Followed by the allegation of sexual abuse and attempted murder by TMC leaders in Sandeshkhali.
What happened in Bengal’s Sandeshkhali?
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Since the last week of February, villages in North 24 Parganas district of Sandeshkhali witnessed protests by hundreds of women who alleged TMC leaders of sexual assault and land grabbling.
The police have arrested 18 people along with local TMC leaders Shibaprasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar. Section of ‘gangrape’ and ‘attempted murder’ has also been added against three prime accused.
NCW Chairperson’s Allegations
Sharma led a delegation of NCW to the villages of North 24 Parganas district, aimed at giving confidence among women to speak out about their experiences.
“After speaking with women in Sandeshkhali, it’s clear the situation is dire. Numerous women shared their harrowing experiences; one even reported being raped inside a TMC party office. We demand President’s Rule in Bengal, which we will also include in our report,” Sharma said to PTI.
The demand for imposition of the President’s rule was also asked by the National Commission for Scheduled Caste (NCSC), in the report submitted to President Draupadi Murmu on sexual harassment allegations by TMC leaders in Sandeshkhali.
Sharma accused Mamata Banerjee’s government of attempting to suppress women’s voices and asked for CM’s resignation. “The culprit must be arrested. Once Shajahan Shiekh is arrested, I believe more women will come out with their complaints. We have to instill confidence in them,” Sharma said.
She added that the police and the government are not listening to women. That’s why only one woman came in front with the complaint but more women should voice their experience. She claimed that the state government is trying to hide the truth but the truth will come out eventually.
NCW chairperson stated that she and her team will talk to victims and will meet the Bengal governor and President in New Delhi. “Even if only one incident took place, it is shameful,” she added.
TMC’s Respond
TMC responding to the NCW chairperson’s allegations asked Why she was not going to BJP-ruled states with similar issues were raised against their government or leaders.
Senior state minister Shashi Panja asked, “Why didn’t she visit Madhya Pradesh’s Morena, where a pregnant woman was gang-raped and set ablaze? Why did the commission ignore complaints of atrocities against women in Manipur? Why didn’t the NCW respond when female wrestlers protested against BJP MP’s alleged sexual misconduct?”
Panja assured that the TMC government has taken all necessary steps to control the situation and several accused have been arrested. TMC state vice president Jaiprakash Majumdar claimed that Sharma is just parroting the agenda of the BJP government.
