In the early days of 1993, West Bengal was under the Left Front government led by Jyoti Basu. During that time, a physically disabled girl was raped in Nadia district. The incident caused an uproar in the state, and attacks on Jyoti Basu’s government began. Mamata Banerjee, who was an emerging leader at the time, brought the victim to the West Bengal government secretariat, the Writers’ Building. Mamata accused the government of not arresting the culprits due to their political connections and demanded a meeting with the then-Chief Minister Jyoti Basu. When her demand was not met, she began a sit-in protest in front of the CM’s chamber.

When Jyoti Basu refused to meet Mamata Banerjee, the police forcibly removed her and the victim from the secretariat. Female police officers dragged Mamata down the stairs, tearing her clothes in the process. After this incident, Mamata vowed that she would only set foot in that building again when she became the Chief Minister. After 18 years of struggle, Mamata entered the building as Chief Minister on May 20, 2011, shaking the foundations of Left rule in West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee continued her protests and demonstrations against the Left Front government for 18 years. Her struggle shook the foundation of Leftist rule and eventually brought her to power. It is said that former Chief Minister Jyoti Basu was so upset with Mamata’s politics that he never publicly mentioned her name, always referring to her as “that woman.”

Mamata Banerjee’s political career has been filled with struggles and controversies. The recent rape-murder case of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital has once again put Mamata under scrutiny. But this is not the first time Mamata Banerjee’s role in rape cases has been questioned. There was an incident in Hanskhali, where Mamata dismissed the rape case as an “affair.” Similarly, when people protested against a rape in Kamudini, she labeled them as CPI(M) supporters. Mamata Banerjee’s controversial statements on rape cases during her tenure have often made headlines, especially when the allegations involved members of her party. Throughout her years in power, Mamata has often labeled rape cases as “false.” When asked to respond to rape cases as a woman leader, she presents herself as a victim. If the opposition questions her, Mamata does not hesitate to turn the tables and accuse them instead.

The rape-murder case of a trainee doctor in Kolkata has once again put Mamata Banerjee’s leadership under the spotlight. The role of her government and the statements she has made regarding rape cases remain fresh in people’s memories. The people of West Bengal, who have witnessed Mamata Banerjee’s struggle and courage, are now asking her why her approach to heinous crimes like rape is so passive. The question on everyone’s mind is whether Mamata Banerjee will show the same courage today as she did in 1993.

Dr. Bose said that despite such an incident occurring with a female doctor, the police did not conduct a proper and impartial investigation. He mentioned that there is an atmosphere of outrage across the state, with people taking to the streets to demand justice. This justice is important not just for the victim but for the entire society. In an interview with media, the Governor also expressed his views on the possibility of imposing President’s Rule in Bengal. He said that there have been demands for President’s Rule, and he will remain vigilant on this issue. However, he also made it clear that he would keep his options open at this time and would not disclose his next steps under the Constitution.

Dr. Bose further stated that this case is not just a law-and-order issue but a matter of tampering with the judicial and constitutional structure of society. He expressed concern over the vandalism incidents at RG Kar Hospital and said that he himself visited the site on Thursday. There, he saw that people are simply demanding justice, and it is the state’s responsibility to deliver it.

The Governor said that since this incident, a climate of discontent and distrust has developed in society. He urged the police and administration to conduct an impartial investigation and ensure that the culprits are punished. He also stated that if the police and administration do not handle this case properly, it could send a dangerous message to society. In conclusion, the Governor said that this incident has shaken every section of society. It has made it clear that the administration must take its responsibilities seriously to maintain law and order and ensure justice in society.

By Neelam Singh.