Mamata Banerjee Denies Injustice in Sandeshkhali, Accuses BJP of Instigating Unrest

West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, addressed the Sandeshkhali controversy, vehemently rejecting accusations of tolerating injustice. Amid the allegations of sexual harassment in the area, Banerjee accused the BJP of inciting trouble and suggested the presence of an RSS base in Sandeshkhali.

Banerjee asserted, “I have never allowed injustice in my life. I sent (representatives of) the state women’s commission (to Sandeshkhali) immediately, and 17 people have been arrested.” She responded to the BJP’s walkout in the Assembly over the issue, placing blame on the BJP for the unrest and claiming the Centre targeted local Trinamool leader Sheikh Shahjahan through the Enforcement Directorate.

She alleged that the BJP initiated the trouble by influencing people in the area and stated the existence of an RSS base in Sandeshkhali. Banerjee mentioned that a police team, including women, is meeting with residents in Sandeshkhali to investigate complaints, assuring that the government will take action if reports are filed.

The Sandeshkhali issue gained prominence when women accused Sheikh Shahjahan’s aides of sexual harassment. While the BJP criticized the Trinamool Congress government, the ruling party dismissed the charges and accused the BJP of attempting to create unrest.

 Discussions with women in Sandeshkhali revealed instances of intimidation, with some claiming threats if they refused to comply. The West Bengal Police denied allegations of sexual torture, stating that no such claims were received during the enquiries by the State Women’s Commission, CID, and the district police. The police accused a section of the media of spreading misinformation.

In response to the Sandeshkhali violence, BJP MP Dilip Ghosh accused Mamata Banerjee of shielding “criminals” like Shahjahan Sheikh. Ghosh alleged that Banerjee is protecting individuals from legal consequences, criticizing her leadership.

The tension in Sandeshkhali arose during a BJP-led protest against alleged sexual harassment, resulting in clashes with the police. BJP formed a committee of Union Ministers and MPs to assess the situation, with JP Nadda expressing concern over incidents in West Bengal, highlighting the collapse of law and order.