(Source: Poll of Polls)
Sandeshkhali: NCW Chief Demands President's Rule', CM Mamata's Resignation As TMC Slams Visit
Visiting Sandeshkhali, NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma criticised the Mamata Banerjee-led government for alleged attempt to suppress the truth. The TMC, however, slammed the visit as 'politically motivated'
National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Rekha Sharma has levied serious allegations against the West Bengal government, accusing it of suppressing the voices of women in Sandeshkhali amidst protests against purported Trinamool Congress (TMC)-led atrocities. Sharma's remarks come amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions in the region, where numerous women have come forward with allegations of land-grabbing and sexual assault, purportedly at the hands of TMC strongman Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters.
According to news agency PTI, Rekha Sharma, leading a delegation from the commission to the troubled area, emphasised the importance of instilling confidence in the affected women to enable them to speak out. She highlighted the urgency of apprehending Shajahan Sheikh, stating, "Once (Shajahan) Shiekh is arrested, I believe more women will come out with their complaints."
The NCW chairperson criticised the Mamata Banerjee-led government for what she deemed as attempts to suppress the truth. She expressed dismay at the absence of key officials such as the district magistrate and the superintendent of police during her visit, alleging a lack of responsiveness to women's complaints from both the administration and the police, PTI reported.
"The women of Sandeshkhali have been harassed... They are scared and the situation here is bad. Women are crying in front of me. I don't think anything will happen here without the President's rule...Today I have copies of 18 complaints including two rapes and serious molestation," she remarked, addressing the media, as quoted by news agency ANI.
#WATCH | West Bengal: NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma says, "The women of Sandeshkhali have been harassed... They are scared and the situation here is bad. Women are crying in front of me. I don't think anything will happen here without the President's rule...Today I have copies of… pic.twitter.com/UkkUiKzGWD
— ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2024
Criticising the Bengal Chief Minister, the NCW chairperson added, "She (Mamata Banerjee) should resign and come here without any post, only then she will understand the pain of the women here..."
#WATCH | West Bengal: After visiting Sandeshkhali, NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma says, "She (Mamata Banerjee) should resign and come here without any post, only then she will understand the pain of the women here..." pic.twitter.com/Vt3DDYquvR
— ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2024
TMC Rebuts Allegations, Accuses NCW of Political Motives
In response to Sharma's accusations, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) dismissed the NCW's visit as politically motivated. Senior state minister Shashi Panja questioned the commission's selective actions, pointing out instances of alleged atrocities in BJP-ruled states that he claimed went unaddressed by the NCW, as per PTI's report.
"Why didn't she visit Madhya Pradesh's Morena, where a pregnant woman was gang-raped and set ablaze? Why didn't the NCW respond when female wrestlers protested against BJP MP's alleged sexual misconduct? Why did the commission ignore complaints of atrocities against women in Manipur?" she questioned.
TMC state vice president Jaiprakash Majumdar accused the NCW of bias, cautioning against its alignment with political interests. He emphasised the West Bengal government's efforts to address the situation and criticised the commission for allegedly serving as an extension of the BJP, the report stated.
Police Maintain Vigil as Situation in Sandeshkhali Calms
Amidst the ongoing tensions, law enforcement authorities have intensified their presence in Sandeshkhali to ensure stability in the region. Following a week of protests, the situation appears to be gradually returning to normalcy, although underlying grievances remain unresolved, as per the report.
A large number of women in Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district have accused TMC strongman Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters of land-grab and sexually assaulting them under coercion. Shajahan has been absconding after a mob, allegedly affiliated with him, attacked Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials who had gone to search his premises in connection with a ration scam on January 5.
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