In a move by the Union Home Ministry, Rekha Patra, a violence survivor in Sandeshkhali and now a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Basirhat, has been granted X-category security. The decision comes amidst escalating tensions in West Bengal ahead of the final phase of polling scheduled for June 1.
Rekha Patra, who led protests against suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan in Sandeshkhali, emerged as a key figure in the region. Her nomination as the BJP candidate for the Basirhat Lok Sabha seat marks a significant development in the political landscape of the state.
The provision of X-category security entails a robust security detail provided by commandos from the Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF). This measure aims to ensure the safety and security of Rekha Patra amid potential threats to her well-being. The decision to grant security cover to Rekha Patra comes in the wake of an Intelligence Bureau (IB) report indicating possible risks to her life. Additionally, five other BJP leaders in West Bengal have been allocated security cover by the Home Ministry.
Pranat Tudu, the BJP candidate from Jhargram, and Nirmal Saha, contesting from Bahrampur, have also received X-category security protection. Meanwhile, Kartik Paul, the BJP candidate from Raiganj, has been provided with Y-category security.
Ashok Kandari and Ashok Purkait, BJP candidates from Jaynagar and Mathurapur respectively, have also been granted X-category security based on intelligence inputs highlighting potential threats to their safety.
The decision to provide security cover to Rekha Patra and other BJP leaders follows recent incidents of violence and intimidation targeting party members in West Bengal. One such incident involved a local BJP leader in Kolkata who was allegedly assaulted by individuals associated with the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The leader sustained head injuries during the altercation, which occurred on April 27.
In response to the escalating tensions, Union Minister Smriti Irani condemned the assault on the BJP leader, Saraswati Sarkar, in Kolkata. She expressed concern over the growing violence in the region and emphasised the need for ensuring the safety of political activists and candidates.
The provision of security to Rekha Patra and other BJP leaders underscores the challenges posed by political unrest in West Bengal. With more than 100 BJP leaders in the state receiving security protection from the Union Government, the issue of maintaining law and order during the election period remains paramount.
Rekha Patra, in response to her candidature, expressed her determination to fulfill her responsibilities diligently. She pledged to address the concerns of women in Sandeshkhali and advocate for their rights, reaffirming her commitment to serving the people of Basirhat with integrity and dedication.
West Bengal prepares for the concluding phase of Lok Sabha elections on June 1, with the results slated for counting on June 4.
