Modi targets TMC over women’s safety
Addressing a rally, Modi launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), citing alleged misgovernance and drawing attention to the Sandeshkhali molestation charges and the RG Kar rape and murder case.
“The TMC is an anti-women party, while the BJP is committed to women-led development. We have nominated the mother of a doctor who was a victim of TMC’s ‘maha jungleraaj’ as our candidate,” he said.
“We have also fielded a victim of the Sandeshkhali crime, yet the TMC continues to target and harass them,” he added.
‘Women asked to stay indoors’
The Prime Minister alleged that the state government discourages women from asserting their rights.
“When women demand justice, the TMC government asks them to stay indoors for their own safety. They do not want women to move freely or dream big.
“I assure you, the BJP will not allow women’s aspirations to be crushed. The safety and security of every woman will be our top priority,” Modi said.
Promise to reopen crime cases
Issuing a stern warning to the TMC, Modi said all cases related to crimes against women would be reopened if the Bharatiya Janata Party comes to power.
“Once the BJP forms the government, all files related to crimes against women will be reopened—I repeat, every single case will be reopened,” he said.
RG Kar victim’s mother fielded as candidate
The BJP has fielded Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar victim, as its candidate from Panihati.
RG Kar case: Nationwide outrage and legal developments
The case pertains to the brutal rape and murder of a young doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in August 2024, which triggered nationwide outrage and raised serious concerns over women’s safety and institutional accountability.
Allegations of evidence tampering and initial lapses in the investigation intensified public anger, leading to widespread protests by doctors, medical students and civil society groups across Kolkata and other parts of the country.
Junior doctors went on strike, disrupting healthcare services in several government hospitals.
Probe, conviction and ongoing legal battle
Civic volunteer Sanjoy Roy, the prime accused, was arrested soon after the incident.
However, protesters alleged he was not the sole perpetrator and demanded a wider probe.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which took over the case following a court order, did not name any additional accused.
A Kolkata court later sentenced Roy to life imprisonment till death and imposed a fine of Rs 50,000.
Roy has challenged his conviction in the Calcutta High Court, claiming he was falsely implicated, while both the CBI and the West Bengal government have sought the death penalty.