During a recent address in Basirhat, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assured constituents of her dedication to visit every area during the election campaign. "Everyone expects me to visit them during elections... I will go definitely everywhere," she stated. Mamata expressed deep sorrow over the situation of women in Sandeshkhali, criticising the BJP for allegedly compromising their dignity. "I am sorry for whatever has happened to the women of Sandeshkhali and the way they have been humiliated. I express my sadness from the core of my heart. Nobody should dare to play with the dignity of women," Banerjee said during a rally in Basirhat.
Accusations against BJP's conspiracy
Banerjee accused the BJP of orchestrating a conspiracy in Sandeshkhali, which falls under the Basirhat Lok Sabha seat in North 24 Parganas district. "People would have never understood how the BJP had hatched the conspiracy, had the videos not surfaced. The BJP should not play with the dignity of women," she asserted, referring to videos on social media showing a local BJP leader allegedly making women sign blank papers later used as false complaints against TMC leaders.
Criticism of Prime Minister Modi
In her speech, Banerjee criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for speaking to Sandeshkhali protester and BJP candidate Rekha Patra, highlighting what she sees as the BJP's poor record on women's safety. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi can call up anyone he wants. He had called up someone (Rekha Patra) from the area. But he should not forget the dismal track record of the BJP government regarding women's safety and security in the country," Banerjee remarked, specifically mentioning Uttar Pradesh as having the highest number of assaults on women.
Promise to visit Sandeshkhali
Banerjee vowed to visit Sandeshkhali soon, stating, "As soon as our candidate Haji Nurul wins Basirhat, my first visit will be to Sandeshkhali within a few days. I will go to meet the people there." This commitment comes in light of the ongoing protests in the region over allegations of sexual abuse and land grab against now-arrested TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters.
Backdrop of controversy
The riverine area of Sandeshkhali, situated on the borders of the Sundarbans, about 100 kilometers from Kolkata, has been a hotspot of tension since February, with allegations against TMC leaders sparking widespread unrest. Banerjee's remarks during her first visit to the Lok Sabha seat since the January flare-up underscore the political and social turmoil in the region.
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