West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, facing intense scrutiny over the recent rape and murder case in Kolkata, launched a fierce attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during a rally at the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) foundation day. Banerjee warned that any attempts by the BJP to create unrest in Bengal would have consequences beyond the state, affecting other regions like Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Delhi.
Mamata Banerjee’s Strong Remarks
In her address, Banerjee accused the BJP of trying to incite violence in Bengal, drawing a comparison between the state and Bangladesh. She warned that if Bengal were to “burn,” other states would not remain unaffected. Banerjee’s comments were a clear signal to the BJP that she would not tolerate any attempts to destabilize her government or the state.
Banerjee also called on her party members to resist and protest against any insults or attacks, urging them not to remain passive in the face of adversity. This comes as the BJP has been leading protests against the handling of the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s R G Kar Medical College and Hospital.
BJP’s Response
West Bengal BJP President and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar accused Mamata Banerjee of making “anti-national” remarks, describing her statements as a threat to democracy. Majumdar wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the Centre to take note of Banerjee’s remarks and protect the interests of West Bengal’s citizens. He criticized Banerjee for endorsing revenge politics, which he claimed was unprecedented and unthinkable for a chief minister.
Mamata Banerjee’s Counterattack
Banerjee fired back at the BJP, accusing the party of conspiring to derail the investigation into the rape-murder case for political gain. She alleged that the BJP was attempting to exploit the tragic incident to defame West Bengal and manipulate public emotions.
Banerjee also addressed the ongoing protests by junior doctors in the state, who have been on strike since the incident, demanding justice for their colleague. She appealed to the doctors to return to work, emphasizing that patients were suffering due to the prolonged strike. Despite her understanding of their pain, Banerjee urged them to resume their duties while the investigation continued.
Legislative Measures and Further Actions
In a significant announcement, Banerjee declared that her government would pass an amendment to ensure capital punishment for convicted rapists. She warned that if the governor delayed giving assent to the bill, she would lead a dharna (sit-in protest) outside Raj Bhavan. Banerjee stated that the Trinamool Congress would launch a grassroots movement across the state to pressure the Centre into passing legislation for capital punishment for rapists, with women leading the protests.
Conclusion
As tensions rise in West Bengal, the political battle between Mamata Banerjee and the BJP intensifies, with both sides exchanging sharp accusations. Banerjee’s warning to the BJP underscores the volatile political climate in the state, as the chief minister prepares to confront the challenges ahead.
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