The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of condoning sexual assaults on women and alleging her involvement in the "genocide of Hindus."
Union Minister of Women and Child Development of India Smriti Irani led the charge, highlighting the disturbing allegations arising from Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district.
The accusations stem from claims made by a group of women who alleged that local Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters forcibly captured land and sexually assaulted them.
Amid demands for Sheikh's immediate arrest, the BJP intensified its criticism against Banerjee, attributing the situation to her governance.
Irani minced no words in her condemnation, stating, "That she will now allow her men to pick out Hindu young married women to rape them night after night in the TMC office cannot be articulated in mere words."
She further accused Banerjee of sacrificing the dignity of marginalized communities like scheduled castes and tribes for political gain.
The Union Minister underscored Banerjee's responsibility as the head of the home department, insinuating a lack of action on her part. Irani also took a swipe at the Congress, suggesting their silence on the matter despite their purported commitment to justice.
Labeling the incidents as a "state-sponsored assault on Hindus," Irani painted a grave picture of the situation, calling for accountability and action from the government.
Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose arrived in Kolkata from Kerala and proceeded directly to Sandeshkhali to assess the situation firsthand.
In a related development, senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari and several party MLAs were barred from visiting the unrest-hit area, citing prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The move further fueled tensions and underscored the gravity of the situation in Sandeshkhali.
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