Kolkata (West Bengal): As West Bengal continues to witness protests over recent gang rape incidents, political tensions have intensified with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) trading barbs.
TMC leader Kunal Ghosh hit out at Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who on Sunday alleged that Bengal under TMC rule resembles the 1975 Emergency era in terms of governance crisis and erosion of constitutional values.
“Tell Dharmendra Pradhan to talk about Unnao, Hathras, Prayagraj, and Delhi first… Police take action here. Social crimes have declined. This is the safest state for women,” Ghosh said, dismissing BJP’s criticism as politically motivated.
🔥 Political Showdown Over Women’s Safety
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while addressing a press conference, slammed the Mamata Banerjee-led government for what he called a “dangerous mindset”. He accused the TMC of undermining Bengal’s legacy in education and women’s empowerment.
“Fifty years ago, Emergency was declared to dismantle the Constitution. The Trinamool is carrying forward that mindset,” Pradhan stated.
Citing the recent rape of a law student at South Calcutta Law College on June 25, and the rape and murder of a postgraduate medical student at RG Kar Medical College in 2024, Pradhan accused the TMC of failing to secure campuses and uphold law and order.
“Bengal used to be a hub of education. Now it needs to be freed from TMC,” he said, adding that campus security is the state’s responsibility.
⚖️ TMC Defends, Calls BJP Hypocritical
TMC leaders, however, have rejected the BJP’s attacks as hypocritical and diversionary.
“Crimes against women are not limited to Bengal. Look at Uttar Pradesh and Delhi,” Kunal Ghosh added, referencing cases like Unnao and Hathras that occurred under BJP governments.
🗣️ Controversial Comment by Kalyan Banerjee
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee added to the row, making a controversial remark:
“Yes, incidents do happen. Not all men are like this, but some have a perverted mindset. These perverted men then come out on the streets, hold protests and demand the death penalty.”
His comments have drawn sharp criticism on social media, with many accusing the party of insensitivity.
📢 Background
Public anger has been mounting since:
- June 25: A law student was allegedly gang raped at South Calcutta Law College.
- August 2024: A postgraduate doctor was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College.
Both cases triggered protests from student groups, civil society, and opposition parties, questioning the TMC’s handling of women’s safety and institutional accountability.
With public pressure mounting and political rhetoric intensifying, law and order in Bengal has emerged as a critical flashpoint between the state and central leadership, making it a politically charged issue ahead of future elections.