TMC Retorts To Rahul Gandhi's Kolkata Rape-Murder Remark With Siddaramaiah Jibe

On Sunday, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) attacked Congress over Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's handling of the rape and murder case involving a PGT doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

This came three days after Rahul Gandhi's remark on social media, where he slammed the response to the incident, stating there was an "attempt to save the accused instead of providing justice to the victim."

Photo Credit: PTI

In response, former TMC Rajya Sabha MP Kunal Ghosh posted on X, highlighting an article about Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot granting sanction for the prosecution of CM Siddaramaiah in an alleged land allotment scam.

Ghosh questioned Rahul Gandhi: "So, Rahul Gandhi ji, will you ask your CM to resign? This is a gross allegation of corruption. Without having correct information about the WB incident, without knowing the steps taken by Mamata Banerjee, you made a comment on social media. Now, will you kindly take steps regarding your CM?"

Rahul Gandhi had previously expressed his stance on the incident: "I stand with the victim's family in this unbearable pain. They should get justice at all costs, and the culprits should be given such a punishment that it is presented as an example in society. The attempt to save the accused instead of providing justice to the victim raises serious questions on the hospital and the local administration."

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh called the Kolkata incident "extremely heartbreaking, painful, and unimaginable," urging the CBI to expedite the case, reported Times of India.

He added, "Bengal govt has launched new safety programmes and proposed committees for women's safety. However, extensive efforts are needed at a broader level, including household awareness, to combat sexual violence. While incidents occur in public places like medical colleges and hotels, there is also a significant need to address domestic sexual violence by relatives. Mamata Banerjee's questions and the local central ministers' accusations highlight the responsibility involved. This issue should not be politicized but handled with sensitivity by all parties involved."

In defense of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav stated on Saturday: "Mamata Banerjee understands the pain of a woman. She has taken action as per demand. Govt has also decided to get the matter investigated by CBI or any other institution. BJP should not do politics over this."

Meanwhile, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren and former Bihar CM Rabri Devi highlighted the measures taken by Banerjee in addressing the issue.