RJD leader Manoj Jha responded to BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya’s criticism of the events in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali by emphasizing the universal shamefulness of such incidents, regardless of the political affiliation of the ruling party. Vijayvargiya had highlighted concerns about declining law and order and disrespect for women in the state following the incidents in Sandeshkhali. Jha expressed doubt that Vijayvargiya would have made similar remarks if the state had been governed by the BJP. He stressed the importance of condemning such incidents unequivocally, irrespective of political considerations.
Meanwhile, BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar condemned the incidents in Sandeshkhali as shameful and expressed alarm over reports of women being coerced into submitting to atrocities to access government benefits. He demanded strict action against those responsible for the abuses and called for the return of seized land to the victims. Majumdar also mentioned the possibility of Prime Minister Modi visiting Basirhat, which includes Sandeshkhali, for a rally on March 7, although no confirmation was provided.
Union Minister Pratima Bhoumik accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of orchestrating numerous incidents similar to Sandeshkhali across West Bengal. She criticized the state police for allegedly siding with the ruling party and emphasized solidarity with the women of Sandeshkhali. Bhoumik assured them of support and pledged to submit a report on the incidents after the BJP’s national convention. She promised that those responsible would be held accountable and vowed to restore the rights and dignity of the affected women.
Earlier, DIG Sumit Kumar assured that the authorities were taking necessary steps to ensure the safety of all residents in Sandeshkhali. He encouraged locals to return to normalcy and submit written complaints if needed. The agitation in Sandeshkhali stemmed from alleged atrocities committed by TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his associates against women in the area.
