Amid the ongoing turmoil in Sandeshkhali, Mithun Chakraborty emphasized the necessity for political parties to unite in addressing such grave issues.
In response to a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader’s call for imposing President’s Rule in West Bengal due to the unrest in Sandeshkhali, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Saturday challenged the Centre to enact Article 356 in the state. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh sharply dismissed BJP leader Dharshana Jardosh and actor-turned-politician Mithun Chakraborty’s comments on Sandeshkhali as “unfounded.”
“I challenge you to invoke Article 356 (in West Bengal). Do not attempt to intimidate us with such maneuvers. Keep to yourselves the statements about dismantling a democratically elected government (through Article 356 or President’s Rule),” stated Kunal Ghosh.
He continued, “If you have the resolve, then take action, instead of just making statements. Mithun da’s remarks on the Sandeshkhali incidents lack substance.”
Sandeshkhali, located in North 24 Parganas, has witnessed unrest over the past ten days. Villagers, predominantly women, have taken to the streets demanding the arrest of TMC strongman Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates Sardar and Hazra.
Allegations have surfaced that the trio unlawfully seized hundreds of acres of farmland from villagers, converting them into fish farms. Women employed in their poultry farms purportedly faced threats, while their husbands were reportedly assaulted if they demanded payments. Villagers, including women, were allegedly coerced into attending late-night political gatherings, facing repercussions if they refused. Additionally, there have been accusations of sexual assault.
The BJP has formed a six-member committee comprising Union Ministers and MPs to visit Sandeshkhali and ascertain facts regarding the alleged incidents of sexual harassment and violence against women. The party has also accused the TMC of shielding those accused of sexual assault.
On Saturday, BJP leader and Minister of State for Railways and Textiles, Darshana Jardosh, called for the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and advocated for the imposition of President’s Rule in the state.
“As a woman Chief Minister, taking responsibility (Mamata Banerjee) she should resign, and President’s rule should be imposed there (West Bengal)”
Actor and BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty also criticized the Banerjee-led government for the unrest in Sandeshkhali on February 16, stressing the need for political parties to put aside their differences in addressing such atrocities.
“Could there be anything more horrific than what happened in Sandeshkhali? Is it part of a larger, devious game that you are playing with the women of Bengal? This is unbelievable. We will all practise our brands of politics, the events that transpired in Sandeshkhali transcend politics,” Chakraborty was quoted as saying by ANI. “Such incidents have no place in society. We all have the responsibility of raising our voices and ensuring people don’t live in such misery.”