Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address a women’s rally in Barasat, located in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, on March 6, as announced by BJP West Bengal unit President Sukanta Majumdar. This announcement comes amidst heightened controversy surrounding allegations of sexual harassment and land-grabbing in the region.
Majumdar revealed that the BJP intends to facilitate a meeting between the Prime Minister and victims of sexual assault from Sandeshkhali, situated in the Basirhat subdivision of the North 24 Parganas district. He stated, “If the distressed women from Sandeshkhali express a desire to meet the Prime Minister, the party will facilitate such a meeting.”
The accusations stem from a significant number of women in Sandeshkhali alleging Shajahan Sheikh, a prominent figure in the Trinamool Congress, and his supporters of involvement in land-grabbing and sexual assault under coercion. Shajahan Sheikh has been evading authorities since a mob, purportedly linked to him, attacked Enforcement Directorate officials during a raid related to a ration scam on January 5.
In response to these allegations, the BJP released a documentary on social media, exceeding 20 minutes in duration, shedding light on the alleged sexual exploitation of women in Sandeshkhali. The documentary features testimonies from women in the area, sharing their distressing experiences.
The BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress-led state government of attempting to conceal the purported crimes in Sandeshkhali. The party has emphasized the importance of exposing the truth behind the situation, sharing the documentary on its social media platforms.
The decision to include a meeting with the alleged victims as part of Prime Minister Modi’s visit has stirred controversy in West Bengal’s political landscape. While the BJP sees it as a gesture of support towards the victims and a platform to highlight the alleged crimes, the Trinamool Congress views it as a political maneuver aimed at tarnishing their image ahead of the upcoming elections.
The situation in Sandeshkhali remains tense, with allegations and counter-allegations being exchanged between the two political parties. The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Modi and the proposed meeting with the victims have added fuel to the already fiery political atmosphere in the region.
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes will be on Barasat on March 6, where Prime Minister Modi is expected to address a gathering of women, amidst a backdrop of controversy and accusations, further intensifying the already heated political climate in West Bengal.
