As outrage spreads across the country over the alleged gangrape of a 24-year-old law student in Kolkata, the BJP has strongly criticised senior Trinamool Congress leaders for their remarks on the case, accusing the ruling party in West Bengal of normalising misogyny and failing to uphold women’s dignity under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership. The sharp political clash has intensified debates over accountability, victim-blaming, and the political handling of crimes against women in the state.
BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya took to social media platform X to slam TMC leaders Madan Mitra and Manas Ranjan Bhunia, accusing them of displaying “mockery, dismissal, and absolute cruelty” while the country is grappling with the horror of the brutal incident. Malviya alleged that TMC leaders were more interested in appeasing their political bosses than acknowledging the seriousness of the crime, stating, “As the entire nation reels in horror over the unspeakable brutality inflicted upon the 24-year-old law aspirant, TMC leaders are busy normalising rape to earn brownie points from their political boss — Mamata Banerjee.”
Madan Mitra’s Controversial Remarks
Madan Mitra, a senior TMC MLA, triggered widespread condemnation last week after he implied that the crime could have been avoided if the victim had not gone to college alone. He suggested that the young woman should have taken friends along, informed her parents, or notified party workers, claiming the accused “took advantage of the situation.” Madan Mitra further stated that the student knew the college was closed but went there hoping to secure a position as the girls’ common room secretary.
These remarks were perceived as deeply insensitive and an example of victim-blaming, sparking anger from activists and opposition leaders. Facing mounting criticism, Madan Mitra later issued an unconditional apology to the TMC leadership in response to a show-cause notice issued by the party’s state president Subrata Bakshi. In his apology, Madan Mitra expressed regret for his “uncalled for and insensitive” comments and sought to explain the context in which they were made. The party is currently reviewing his response and considering further action.
Manas Bhunia’s “Small Incident” Comment Draws Flak
Meanwhile, West Bengal Irrigation Minister Manas Ranjan Bhunia faced backlash after referring to the alleged gangrape in Kolkata as a “small incident” while speaking to reporters. His comment was widely criticised for downplaying the gravity of the crime and failing to acknowledge the trauma faced by the victim and her family.
Amid growing criticism, Manas Ranjan Bhunia later clarified that his remarks had been taken out of context and misrepresented by the media. He explained that he was not specifically referring to the Kasba incident and condemned the crime unequivocally, stating, “They have been misrepresented and linked to the unfortunate incident in an attempt to malign and defame me. I reiterate — I strongly condemn this incident.”
Manas Ranjan Bhunia further argued that his comments were made in a general context, discussing how even minor incidents tend to be exaggerated in West Bengal. He cited other serious crimes, including the RG Kar University rape and a tourist massacre in Jammu and Kashmir, to emphasise his point.
While the TMC leadership has taken note of the public outrage over the comments made by its leaders, the BJP continues to accuse the ruling party of fostering a culture that dismisses women’s safety concerns for political convenience. Malviya, in his criticism, framed the remarks as part of a broader pattern under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, alleging that in “Mamata Banerjee’s Bengal, a woman’s dignity is expendable as long as the rapist chants the right political slogan.”
