Aparajita Bill assent urged as Abhishek Banerjee appeals for PM Modi action

Senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee urged Ratna Debnath, BJP candidate from Panihati, to appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for assent to the Aparajita Bill. The West Bengal legislation seeks time-bound punishment for rape convicts within 50 days. Banerjee also cited the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital case and the state’s response.

Senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday asked Ratna Debnath, the BJP candidate from Panihati, to approach Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Banerjee said Debnath should urge action on the Aparajita Bill, which awaits the Presidents nod. Banerjee raised the issue after a roadshow supporting TMC candidate Tirthankar Ghosh in Panihati.

Banerjee said the proposed law aims for time-bound punishment in rape cases. Banerjee said convictions should lead to punishment within 50 days. The Aparajita Women and Child West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment Bill was passed in the assembly in September 2024. Banerjee linked the appeal to concerns over womens safety and justice delivery.

Aparajita Bill and the Presidents nod

Banerjee criticised the BJP while speaking about the Bill and its intent. Banerjee said the party showed double standards on womens safety. Banerjee also alleged the BJP could not ensure justice. Banerjee said, "a party which garlands convicts... cannot deliver justice,\" while targeting the opposition during the Panihati programme.

Aparajita Bill raised after RG Kar case details

Banerjee referred to the rape and murder of a medic at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The incident took place on August 9, 2024. Banerjee said the TMC government responded quickly. Banerjee said the accused was arrested within 48 hours after the case surfaced.

Banerjee said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met the victims family soon after. Banerjee said the Chief Minister promised support to the family. Banerjee also said the government was open to a CBI probe if the family wanted it. Banerjee added that protests across Bengal demanded punishment for the perpetrators.

Banerjee alleged the BJP turned the tragedy into a political issue. Banerjee said the BJP demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Banerjee said the focus should have stayed on justice for the victim. Banerjee connected this claim to the debate around the pending Aparajita Bill.

Banerjee also advised TMC workers to avoid personal comments against Debnath. Banerjee said people may speak harshly while grieving. Banerjee said party cadres should not reply with offensive language. Banerjee made the remark while noting Debnaths earlier statements critical of the Chief Minister.

Elections to the 294-member West Bengal assembly will be held in two phases. Voting is scheduled for April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 4. Banerjee made the appeals during campaigning in North 24 Parganas, where Panihati is located.

With inputs from PTI