Rachana Banerjee, a Trinamool Congress candidate from Hooghly Lok Sabha constituency in West Bengal, has stirred controversy with an unusual campaign promise. During a recent rally, she pledged that women from the Hooghly LS seat would receive preferential treatment for appearing on "Didi No. 1," a reality show she hosts.
She stated, "If elected, my first task will be to meet with the show's channel authorities and ensure that women from Hooghly are prioritized. They will feature on the show before anyone else."
In response, BJP's incumbent Lok Sabha member and former actress-turned-politician, Locket Chatterjee, criticized Banerjee, suggesting her remarks reflected a disconnect from the common people's aspirations.
"People don't aspire to be on reality shows; they seek opportunities for employment and economic growth. What benefit do they gain from participating in 'Didi No. 1'? The Trinamool Congress' choice of such a candidate, lacking basic political understanding or awareness of public needs, is surprising. Does she consider the people of Hooghly to be uneducated?" questioned Chatterjee.
Banerjee's nomination has been marked by attention-grabbing statements. Initially, she cast doubts on the "true identity" of women protesting alleged sexual harassment by local Trinamool Congress leaders in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas district.
Another controversial statement concerned Singur, a significant site for Tata Motors' Nano project. The project's withdrawal following protests against land acquisition garnered national attention.
During her campaign, Banerjee highlighted the Singur movement's role in ending the Left Front's 34-year rule in West Bengal in 2011, citing its "rich history" as inspirational.
Additionally, Banerjee's assertion that "the people of Hooghly are proud to have me among them" received a lukewarm reception
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