Union Minister Smriti Irani expressed deep concern over the disturbing events unfolding in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali, emphasizing that the situation there surpasses the understanding of any Indian citizen. She raised questions about the Congress party's silence regarding the alleged sexual abuse of women by supporters of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the village.
Irani highlighted the absence of remarks from senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, sarcastically referring to him as "shehzada," implying his detachment from the ground realities of the situation. Sandeshkhali, located in North 24 Parganas district, has witnessed unrest for weeks due to protests against TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates, accused of land encroachment and assaulting local women.
The TMC leader has been evading authorities since a violent incident occurred when an Enforcement Directorate team raided his residence in connection with an alleged ration scam. Irani expressed disbelief at the disturbing reports emerging from Sandeshkhali, particularly concerning the abduction and sexual assault of women who had previously supported Mamata Banerjee's party.
She emphasized that the gravity of the situation extends beyond political affiliations, stressing that those affected are not limited to BJP members but include individuals from within the TMC's own ranks. Irani highlighted the broader implications of the violence in West Bengal, suggesting a worrying trend of targeted attacks.
Irani also raised concerns about the Congress party's silence on the matter, noting that even though politicians from their ranks have faced harm, there has been a lack of vocal response. She criticized Rahul Gandhi's apparent indifference to the issue, contrasting it with the willingness of other Congress members to engage with the situation.
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