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Political Tension Rises in Bengal as Mamata’s Durgapur Gangrape Comment Draws NCW and BJP Controversy
A major political fight has broken out in West Bengal after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s comment on the Durgapur gangrape case. The BJP accused her of victim shaming and failing to protect women’s safety in the state.
The case involves a second-year medical student who was allegedly gangraped in Durgapur. The crime has shocked the state and led to anger across party lines. Mamata Banerjee made a remark asking why the girl was “out at 12:30 am.” Her words sparked sharp criticism from BJP leaders and women’s rights groups.
While speaking to reporters, Mamata said, “She was studying in a private medical college. How did she come out at night at 12:30? It happened in a forest area.” She also said the investigation is still going on.
BJP, Women’s Groups Condemn Mamata’s Comment
The BJP reacted strongly to this statement. Party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia called Mamata a “blot on womanhood” and said she was blaming the victim instead of focusing on justice. BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar asked if the Chief Minister wanted women to stay indoors or wear burqas. He said Mamata’s comment sends the wrong message to women in the state.
Priyanka Tibrewal, BJP’s state secretary, said Mamata’s remark was “insensitive” and accused her of trying to shift the blame from the police to the victim. “Instead of taking action, she is trying to shame the girl who was attacked,” Tibrewal said.
The National Commission for Women also criticised Mamata’s comment. NCW member Archana Majumdar said women cannot be asked to stay home at night. She said, “Women work in hospitals and IT offices. They travel late at night. We cannot say that girls should be locked inside after 9 or 10 pm.”
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also spoke out, saying if a BJP Chief Minister had made such remarks, there would have been a national uproar.
Mamata Defends Herself Amid Ongoing Probe
Mamata Banerjee later defended herself, saying the media had “distorted” her words. She said she never meant to blame the victim and that her words were taken out of context.
Police have arrested three people in connection with the Durgapur case. The investigation continues. The political war between BJP and TMC has now turned into a larger debate on women’s safety, public accountability, and the dangers of victim shaming.