Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a strong critique of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) regarding the RG Kar rape-murder incident, stating that the victim’s mother had dedicated herself to her daughter’s medical career, only for the TMC’s alleged lawlessness to result in her loss. Speaking at an election event in Dum Dum with the victim’s mother present, Modi highlighted the TMC’s shortcomings in safeguarding women and suppressing calls for accountability.
Modi noted, ‘This mother supported her daughter’s path to becoming a doctor, but the TMC deprived her of that child. We have nominated that mother as a candidate.’ Ratna Debnath, the mother of the RG Kar victim, is contesting from Panihati on a BJP ticket in the West Bengal elections. She shared the stage with the prime minister on Friday.
Modi referenced the RG Kar case and the Sandeshkhali incidents during his speech. The 31-year-old trainee doctor was discovered deceased in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, 2024. Sanjay Roy, a Kolkata Police civic volunteer, was apprehended and sentenced to life imprisonment following public fury. The autopsy confirmed rape followed by strangulation and suffocation.
Protests in West Bengal escalated into broader criticism of the Mamata Banerjee administration’s management of public safety. Modi drew on this discontent to target the TMC.
He also mentioned Sandeshkhali, which drew scrutiny in 2024 due to claims of land seizures and sexual violence, noting that the BJP had empowered victims with leadership roles. Modi accused the TMC, seeking another term, of stifling women’s voices.
In the 2024 national elections, the BJP fielded Rekha Patra, a Sandeshkhali victim, from Basirhat, though she was unsuccessful.
Modi added, ‘When Bengal’s women demand justice, the TMC advises them to stay indoors to evade assault. The TMC hinders women’s aspirations.’
Women’s votes have proven influential in previous elections, often supporting Mamata Banerjee. This context explains Modi’s focus on women’s security issues against the TMC.
Concluding his remarks, Modi affirmed that the BJP would protect the ambitions of Bengal’s daughters.
‘On May 4, once the BJP assumes power, investigations into all crimes against women will commence. This is my assurance,’ he stated.
