1. Gourav Vallabh, former Congress spokesperson, quickly switches to BJP, citing the party’s lack of direction.
2. Anil Sharma, former Bihar Congress president, also joins the BJP with Vallabh.
3. Vallabh announces the decision in a media address alongside BJP’s Vinod Tawde in Delhi.
Kolkata, April 04: Prime Minister Narendra Modi didn’t mince words when he addressed the recent Sandeshkhali incident in West Bengal.
He criticized the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for allegedly shielding the culprits involved in the case. He highlighted how the nation witnessed the efforts made by the TMC to protect those responsible for the incident.
PM Modi emphasized that his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is committed to empowering women and ensuring justice. He declared that the perpetrators of the Sandeshkhali incident would face life imprisonment, underlining the BJP’s determination to combat injustice against women in West Bengal.
Empowerment Agenda
BJP’s Focus on Women’s Empowerment
PM Modi reiterated his party’s focus on women’s empowerment during his address. He contrasted the BJP’s commitment to empowering women with the TMC’s alleged misrule, which, according to him, led to the unfortunate events in Sandeshkhali.
He urged the people of West Bengal to strengthen the BJP in the state to prevent further injustices against women and ensure their safety and empowerment.
Also Read: Court holds ruling party entirely responsible for Sandeshkhali turmoil, rebukes Bengal government
PM Modi’s Gratitude and Explanation in Coochbehar
Thank Mamata Banerjee and the State Government
During his rally in Coochbehar, PM Modi surprised many by expressing his gratitude to Mamata Banerjee and the West Bengal government.
He recalled a previous rally where he faced logistical issues due to the setup by Mamata Banerjee’s administration. However, this time, he acknowledged the absence of such obstacles and thanked Mamata Banerjee and the state government for facilitating his event.
Electoral Gains in North Bengal
BJP’s Electoral Success in North Bengal
PM Modi’s visit to Coochbehar comes amid the BJP‘s growing influence in North Bengal. The party has made significant electoral gains in the region since the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The upcoming polls in Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri constituencies on April 19 mark the beginning of Bengal’s seven-phase electoral process.
Calcutta High Court’s Remarks on Sandeshkhali
Court’s Criticism of the Sandeshkhali Incident
PM Modi’s comments on the Sandeshkhali incident coincided with the Calcutta High Court’s scathing remarks on the matter. The court expressed deep concern over the incident, stating that even if only 1% of the allegations were true, it would be utterly shameful.
It called upon the district administration and ruling authorities to take moral responsibility for the incident. The court’s remarks underscored the seriousness of the situation and the need for accountability.
Background on the Sandeshkhali Incident
Allegations Against Trinamool Leader
The Sandeshkhali incident erupted when several women accused now-suspended Trinamool leader Seikh Shahjahan of land grabbing and sexual assault. Shahjahan remained at large for nearly two months before being apprehended by the West Bengal police.
He is currently in custody, facing charges related to the incident.
PM Modi’s condemnation of the Sandeshkhali incident, along with the Calcutta High Court’s scrutiny, reflects the gravity of the situation.
The incident has brought attention to issues of women’s safety and accountability in West Bengal, adding a significant dimension to the state’s political landscape ahead of the elections.
