Kolkata (West Bengal) [India] August 28 (ANI): On Wednesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly criticized the BJP’s 12-hour ‘Bengal Bandh’, calling it an effort to “defame” the state. Banerjee’s remarks came in response to the BJP’s protest following the violence during the ‘Nabanna Abhijan‘ rally. She asserted that the TMC government is committed to seeking justice for the victims of the RG Kar Hospital and College incident, stating, “We have dedicated this day to the RG Kar doctor. We seek justice, but BJP’s bandh indicates they are not interested in justice; they aim only to tarnish Bengal’s reputation.”
Banerjee further condemned the bandh and endorsed the police’s handling of the Nabanna Abhijan protestors. “We do not support this bandh. BJP never demanded resignations from CMs of UP, MP, or Manipur. From the images of the Nabanna Abhijan rally yesterday, I commend the police for their effective management of the situation,” she said.
She also addressed the issue of punishment for rapists, stating, “The only fitting punishment for rapists is death by hanging.” Banerjee announced that the West Bengal government will introduce a bill within the next 10 days to ensure capital punishment for rapists. “We will call an Assembly session next week and pass a Bill within 10 days to enforce capital punishment. We will then send this Bill to the Governor. If the Governor fails to approve it, we will protest outside Raj Bhavan. This Bill must be passed, and the Governor cannot avoid accountability this time,” she added.
TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee also opposed the BJP’s 12-hour ‘Bengal Bandh’. “We oppose the 12-hour ‘Bengal Bandh’ called by BJP,” Banerjee stated. He further demanded prompt legislation on crimes against women, warning, “If the Centre does not pass a time-bound legislation on crimes against women within the next 3-4 months, Trinamool Congress will launch a major movement in Delhi.” The BJP’s ‘Bengal Bandh’ was called following the Kolkata police’s use of lathi charges, water cannons, and tear gas against protestors during the Nabanna Abhijan rally. (ANI)
Courtesy: ANI
