Sandeshkhali: BJP condemns Mamata Banerjee's 'double standards', seeks Rahul Gandhi's response

Kolkata: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of having "double standards" and endangering the dignity of women in the state. Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, in a press conference held today, questioned Banerjee's commitment to safeguarding the rights of women, particularly in light of recent events in Sandeshkhali.

The incident in question involves the alleged land grabbing and sexual violence committed by TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh, which has led to protests by women in Bengal's 24 North Parganas district. Despite the gravity of the situation, Prasad lamented, Banerjee has chosen to defend Sheikh, leaving the women's rights advocates in the state perplexed and disappointed.

Prasad further highlighted the silence of Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) over the matter, suggesting complicity in allowing the accused TMC leader to go unpunished. He specifically mentioned the absence of any public comments or opposition to the incident from the CPI(M) leadership, despite reports that a woman leader of the party had visited the area.

The BJP leader also pointed out the discrepancy between Banerjee's vocal opposition to the alleged cancellation of Aadhaar cards by the Central Government in the state, and her silence regarding the Sandeshkhali incident, which involves far more severe allegations.

In response to the incident, the Bengal police have arrested two TMC leaders, but Sheikh remains at large, adding fuel to the fire of discontent among women's rights activists and political opposition in the state.

The Sandeshkhali incident has garnered significant attention from senior BJP leaders, who have been actively protesting in the city to demand accountability and justice for the affected women. As the situation unfolds, questions remain about the sincerity of Banerjee's commitment to women's rights and the apparent complicity of other political parties in West Bengal.

The public and media are closely watching for further developments and responses from the state's political leaders in light of the ongoing turmoil in Sandeshkhali.