The BJP has accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government of being responsible for the state’s law and order issues and failing to ensure women’s safety. In response, the TMC has alleged that the BJP is politicizing the situation in West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee faced backlash for her comments suggesting that girls “should not be allowed to go outside at night.” She remarked, “She was studying in a private medical college. Private medical. And it happened what time? 12:30 at night. All private medicals are whose responsibility? How did they go out at 12:30 at night?… It happened, so far I know, in a forest area… investigation is on,” during a statement on Sunday.
Gaurav Bhatia, the national spokesperson for the BJP, criticized Banerjee, calling her “a blot on womanhood,” and expressed his outrage on X, stating, “Shameless @MamataOfficial, a blot on womanhood, even more for being a CM. After RG Kar and Sandeshkhali, now this horrific Durgapur gangrape case— and instead of justice, she blames the victim.” Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar also condemned the Chief Minister’s comments, claiming they reflect a broader pattern within the TMC. He referred to a previous incident at RG Kar Medical College, where a circular was issued prohibiting women from working night shifts.
NCW member Archana Majumdar criticized Banerjee’s remarks as “absurd,” emphasizing that in today’s world, suggesting that women should stay indoors for 12 hours a day is unacceptable. She highlighted the achievements of Indian women in various fields, asserting that no one has the right to dictate their freedom to be out after dark.
