Addressing a women’s rally in Barasat, North 24 Parganas district, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government for allegedly protecting the accused in the Sandeshkhali case, calling it a “matter of shame.” He emphasized the BJP’s commitment to women’s empowerment and safety, accusing the TMC of neglecting women’s issues.
Modi expressed concern about the treatment of women under TMC rule and highlighted the Sandeshkhali incident, condemning the government’s alleged protection of the perpetrators. He stated, “Their acts were first condemned by the High Court and then the Supreme Court as well.” Modi accused TMC leaders of atrocities against women from marginalized groups, asserting that the government trusts its leaders more than the women of Bengal.
The Prime Minister argued that the TMC government hinders women’s safety, contrasting it with the BJP government’s decision to award life imprisonment for heinous crimes like rape. He mentioned the ‘Women Helpline’ for easy registration of complaints, claiming the TMC government obstructs its operation in West Bengal.
Modi underscored the BJP’s commitment to women’s empowerment, citing the ‘Shakti Vandan’ campaign and a massive program organized for self-help group members in West Bengal. He also highlighted the inauguration of development projects in Kolkata, emphasizing the government’s priority to modernize public transport.
The tension in Sandeshkhali, where women accused TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan of sexual abuse, was addressed, noting Shahjahan’s subsequent arrest on February 29. Modi, on a three-day visit to several states, criticized the TMC government and its handling of women’s issues during the rally.
