West Bengal Gangrape Row: BJP Slams Mamata Banerjee for ‘Girls Shouldn’t Go Out at Night’ Remark

The alleged gangrape of a second-year student at a private medical college in Durgapur, West Bengal, has triggered a political storm in the state, with the BJP targeting the ruling TMC government over alleged lapses in law and order. The controversy intensified after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reportedly remarked that girls “should not be allowed to go outside at night.”

The BJP criticized Banerjee, accusing her of victim-shaming and failing to protect women. BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia called her “a blot on womanhood,” tweeting, “Shameless @MamataOfficial… Instead of justice, she blames the victim.”

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar questioned whether the Chief Minister wanted all women to stay at home or wear burqas, pointing to previous remarks and policies limiting night shifts for women in private companies.

National Commission for Women (NCW) member Archana Majumdar called Banerjee’s comment “absurd,” emphasizing that women work equally in hospitals, IT, and sports, including winning Olympic gold medals and going to space. She added that it is the Chief Minister’s responsibility to protect women through effective laws.

BJP West Bengal Secretary Priyanka Tibrewal labeled Banerjee’s remark “insensitive,” saying it diverted attention from the perpetrators to the victim. BJP MP Shankar Lalwani condemned the incident and highlighted the lack of law and order in the state.

In response, Mamata Banerjee blamed the media for distorting her words, stating, “The media distorted my words. You ask me a question, I answer it, and then you distort it. Do not try this kind of politics,” while speaking in Alipurduar.

Meanwhile, three accused in the case have been arrested and presented before court, as the investigation continues.