Union Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju sharply criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her remarks regarding the alleged gangrape of a medical student in Durgapur. Rijiju accused certain media outlets and self-styled liberals of remaining silent about Banerjee’s comments, which many interpreted as victim-blaming. He took to X to state that had a BJP chief minister made similar remarks, the ‘illiberal gang’ would have sparked widespread outrage across the nation. The controversy erupted after Banerjee questioned why the student was on campus late at night, describing the area as a ‘forest region.’ Her statement drew significant backlash, with critics accusing her of shaming the victim.
Banerjee later clarified that her comments had been misrepresented by the media and called for a non-partisan approach to the issue. The BJP criticized the TMC government, alleging it had failed to protect women’s safety. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia called Banerjee ‘a blot on womanhood,’ while Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar asked if the chief minister believed women should remain indoors or dress modestly. The alleged gangrape has triggered a heated political exchange between the TMC and the BJP, underscoring profound disagreements over women’s safety and accountability in West Bengal.