West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose sharply criticized the Mamata Banerjee government on Monday, accusing it of failing the women of the state. He stated, “Bengal is not a safe place for women. The current government has failed its women. It’s not society but this insensitive government that has let women down. Bengal must be restored to a time when women had a respected place in society. Today, women live in fear of ‘Gundas,’ a situation created by this government’s lack of sensitivity.”
Governor Bose also condemned the government’s handling of the recent tragedy at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, emphasizing that the state has failed to protect women. He expressed his intention to meet with Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the situation.
Addressing the statement of the deceased doctor’s parents, Governor Bose remarked, “I respect the mother’s sentiments. The law will take its course.”
On a lighter note, he extended his Raksha Bandhan wishes, praising sisters as “the most beautiful creations of God” and celebrating the bond of protection and affection between brothers and sisters.
Earlier, following a letter from former cricketer Harbhajan Singh urging immediate action in the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case, Governor Bose announced an emergency meeting with representatives from various sections of Bengal society. This meeting aims to review the actions taken and gather opinions on the matter.
The Governor’s office confirmed that he plans to discuss the situation with Harbhajan Singh and expressed solidarity with the nationwide outcry over the incident and perceived government inaction.
On August 15, Governor Bose visited the RG Kar College, which had been vandalized by a mob the previous night. He described the incident as shocking and humiliating, noting that police presence failed to prevent the destruction and threats made to nursing students. He condemned the anarchy and called for a report on the incident from the government, as required under Article 167 of the Constitution.
The rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College on August 9 sparked nationwide protests and strikes by the medical community. Following the vandalism of the protest site and hospital campus on August 14, Kolkata police have imposed Section 163 of the BNSS around the medical college for seven days starting August 18 to maintain order.