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Mamata Banerjee Counters BJP’s Slogans, Calls for Modi and Shah’s Resignations
Update : The West Bengal Assembly has passed the much-anticipated anti-rape bill, a significant legislative move aimed at enhancing protections for women and children in the state. The passage of the bill, however, was marked by intense exchanges between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and opposition BJP MLAs.
During the session, BJP members raised slogans and demanded accountability from the state government over law and order issues. In response, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee countered with demands of her own, calling for the resignations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The Chief Minister’s remarks further escalated the already tense atmosphere in the Assembly.
The new legislation, known as the ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024,’ proposes stringent measures, including capital punishment for rape convicts in cases where the crime results in the victim’s death or leaves them in a vegetative state.
The bill’s passage is seen as a historic moment by the TMC government, yet it has also highlighted the deep political divides within the state’s legislative body.
Kolkata: In response to the recent tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the West Bengal Assembly has tabled the ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024,’ which proposes capital punishment for rape convicts if their actions result in the victim’s death or leave them in a vegetative state. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the bill as “historic,” marking a significant step in the state’s legal framework to address crimes against women and children.
The bill was introduced during a two-day special session of the West Bengal Assembly, called by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in the aftermath of the horrific incident that has shaken the state. The session, which began today, witnessed heated debates as the opposition BJP demanded the resignation of CM Mamata Banerjee, criticizing the government’s handling of the case. Despite the opposition, Banerjee remained resolute, emphasizing the importance of the new bill in ensuring justice for victims of such heinous crimes.
The ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill’ is seen as a direct response to the public outcry following the brutal attack on the young doctor on August 9. The proposed legislation introduces stringent penalties, including the death penalty, for those found guilty of rape that leads to the victim’s death or permanent incapacitation. The bill aims to act as a deterrent against such crimes, ensuring that perpetrators face the harshest possible consequences under the law.
In a related development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, amid allegations of financial misconduct connected to the institution. The arrest comes after an extensive 15-day interrogation linked to the rape and murder case. The former deputy superintendent of the hospital, Dr. Akhtar Ali, had lodged complaints highlighting multiple financial irregularities during the tenure of the former principal, Dr. Ghosh.
Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise as the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Forum (WBJDF) announced a pen-down protest scheduled for today. The forum had previously marched to the police headquarters in Lalbazar, demanding the resignation of Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal. The protesting doctors have accused the city police of inaction, particularly in failing to prevent vandalism at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 14, just days after the tragic incident.
The situation in Kolkata remains tense, with ongoing protests and a growing demand for accountability from the authorities. As the state government pushes forward with the ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill,’ all eyes are on the Assembly to see how the legislation will be implemented and whether it will lead to tangible changes in the protection and safety of women and children in West Bengal.
