The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing criticism and internal conflict following controversial remarks made by two of its leaders regarding the alleged gang-rape of a law student in Kolkata. The incident has sparked outrage and accusations of victim-blaming and shielding criminals, with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seizing on the issue to attack the ruling party.
The controversy began after a first-year student of South Calcutta Law College reported being gang-raped inside the campus on June 25. Police have arrested three men, including Monojit Mishra, an alumnus of the college and a former member of the Trinamool Congress youth wing. Mishra's connection to the TMC has become a focal point of the political storm, with the BJP alleging that the ruling party is protecting him.
Adding fuel to the fire, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee made a controversial statement, questioning how such incidents could be prevented if they occur between friends. "What can be done if a friend rapes his friend? Will the police be there in schools? This was done by students to another student. Who will protect her (victim)?" Banerjee asked. His remarks were perceived as dismissive and insensitive, drawing sharp condemnation from the BJP and women's rights groups. Critics have accused Banerjee of minimizing the gravity of the crime, deflecting institutional accountability, and promoting survivor-shaming.
Another TMC leader, MLA Madan Mitra, also stirred controversy by suggesting that the incident might not have happened if the victim had not gone to the location. "If that girl had not gone there, this wouldn't have happened. If she had informed someone before going or had taken a couple of friends with her, then this wouldn't have happened," Mitra stated. He advised women to be cautious and avoid going to places alone if someone calls them with an offer. The BJP slammed Mitra's remarks as "victim-blaming, plain, and vile".
In response to the uproar, the Trinamool Congress has attempted to distance itself from the controversial statements. The party issued a statement saying that the remarks were made in their "personal capacities" and that the party "unequivocally disassociates itself from their statements and strongly condemns the same". The TMC emphasized that these views do not reflect the position of the party.
However, the BJP has continued to attack the TMC, accusing it of attempting to shield the accused due to his political connections. BJP leaders have shared images of Monojit Mishra with senior TMC leaders, further fueling the allegations. The BJP's West Bengal co-incharge, Amit Malviya, criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's "close aide Madan Mitra" for his remarks and said that the TMC has "chosen to slander the woman -- not support her -- just to shield a close aide of Mamata Banerjee's nephew". Malviya also called Kalyan Banerjee's comments "insensitive" and said he "trivialised the crime by saying it was committed by 'classmates'".
The incident and the subsequent remarks by TMC leaders have created a significant political controversy in West Bengal. The BJP is using the issue to attack the TMC's image and credibility, while the TMC is struggling to contain the damage and distance itself from the controversial statements. The case has also raised concerns about women's safety in educational institutions and the need for greater accountability and sensitivity from political leaders.
