BJP Launches Fresh Attack on Mamata Banerjee Over Controversial Durgapur Gangrape Remarks

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its criticism of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following her controversial remarks regarding the Durgapur gangrape case. Banerjee had suggested that "a girl should not go out at night," comments widely perceived as victim-blaming. In response, BJP leaders accused her of being insensitive and shirking responsibility for women's safety in the state.

BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia called Banerjee "a blot on womanhood," saying her statement insulted women and deflected attention from the failure of law enforcement. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar questioned whether the Chief Minister expected women to "wear burqas and stay indoors," highlighting the tone-deaf nature of her remarks.

At the state level, BJP West Bengal Secretary Priyanka Tibrewal described the statement as "shocking and insensitive," accusing Banerjee of shaming victims instead of focusing on the perpetrators. She added, "The Chief Minister's comments only divert attention from the real issue - ensuring justice for the survivor."

BJP MP Shankar Lalwani also weighed in, condemning the attack on the student and pointing to what he called West Bengal's deteriorating law and order. "Incidents like this are shameful and not isolated. The state government has repeatedly failed to maintain safety for its citizens," he said.

In her defense, Mamata Banerjee claimed that the media had misrepresented her words, insisting she was merely answering a question and that her statements were being twisted for political purposes.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) also criticised the Chief Minister's remarks. NCW member Archana Majumdar called the statement "absurd" and emphasised that women across India are breaking barriers and achieving milestones, and restricting their movement is unacceptable.

Meanwhile, the investigation into the Durgapur case continues, with three individuals arrested and presented before the court. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused the BJP of politicising the incident rather than prioritising justice for the survivor.