Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee (Image Source: Money Control)
In a press conference on August 15, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the media following a violent incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Banerjee placed the blame for the midnight mob attack on opposition parties, specifically the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], accusing them of collaborating to create unrest in the state.
Banerjee’s statement, “Ram and Bam (referring to BJP and CPI[M]) have joined hands to carry out this attack,” underscored her belief that the violence was not instigated by the protesting doctors but by “outsiders and political people” who were seeking to exploit the situation for their own political advantage. She added, “It was not done by the students (doctors). I don’t blame them. Some outsiders, political people, want to create unrest in Bengal. They had gone there to score brownie points from the protest. They don’t want peace.”
Critics have pointed out that this is part of a broader pattern in Banerjee’s governance, where she blames others for failures and crises within the state. Over the past decade, her administration has faced significant criticism for its handling of various issues, including law and order, the safety of women, illegal immigration, and religiously motivated crimes. Despite these ongoing problems, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has been accused of consistently failing to protect the people of West Bengal.
In the past, when faced with escalating situations, Banerjee has frequently pointed fingers at opposition parties. For instance, during the violence on Ram Navami, she blamed the BJP and VHP; in the Sandeshkhali incident, she labelled the unrest as politically motivated; and in cases of crimes against women, she has at times shifted blame onto the victims themselves. On the issue of illegal immigration, she has been criticised for downplaying the problem, even advocating for open borders contrary to the central government’s stance.
The August 14 attack at RG Kar Medical College involved a mob that entered the campus, causing widespread vandalism. The protesting doctors and nurses quickly distanced themselves from the violence, asserting that the mob was not associated with their agitation, which had been sparked by the brutal rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the hospital.
During the press conference, Banerjee also addressed the issue of misinformation being spread through fake videos on social media. She warned the public against falling prey to manipulated content, saying, “A lot can be done with AI these days. Any face can be placed in any photo or video. Audio can be generated. The same is happening here. I watch a lot of videos. Promoting lies through fake videos has become a business. The police will keep a close eye on them.” She also noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently raised concerns about cybercrime during a NITI Aayog meeting, and she expressed her agreement with his views on the matter.
The horrific rape and murder of the doctor, which took place in the seminar hall of the state-run hospital during her night shift, has led to widespread outrage and protests across Kolkata. The medical community and the public at large are demanding justice and calling for stronger measures to ensure the safety of women in the state. With the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) now handling the investigation, there is intense public scrutiny on the outcome, with hopes for swift and decisive action against those responsible.
Dwindling law and order in Bengal
Over the last decade, the law and order situation in West Bengal under the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has faced significant criticism, particularly concerning the protection of women and Hindus. Critics argue that Banerjee’s administration has consistently failed to safeguard these groups, leading to a climate of fear and unrest.
The post-poll violence following the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections was one of the most severe instances of lawlessness in recent memory. After the TMC’s victory, reports of widespread violence, especially targeting Hindus, emerged. Incidents of rape, murder, and property destruction were reported, allegedly carried out by TMC supporters. This violence, which some described as a “genocide of Hindus,” attracted national and international condemnation. Critics have pointed out that the state government failed to prevent or adequately address these atrocities, raising serious concerns about the protection of minorities in Bengal.
Another example is the Sandeshkhali violence in North 24 Parganas, where women accused local TMC leaders of land grabbing and sexual assault. Despite the seriousness of these allegations, the state government’s response was perceived as lacking, leading to accusations that the administration was complicit in the violence against women and Hindus. Union Minister Smriti Irani recently criticised Mamata Banerjee for allowing such crimes to continue unchecked.
The violence that erupted during Ram Navami celebrations in West Bengal further exemplifies the failures of the Mamata Banerjee administration in maintaining law and order. During the 2018 celebrations, severe clashes between communities in Asansol and Raniganj resulted in deaths and widespread property destruction. The violence necessitated the deployment of central forces, and a curfew was imposed in the affected areas.
Observers noted that the state government’s response was inadequate, and the police appeared either passive or complicit in the unrest. The administration’s failure to act decisively has been seen as indicative of deeper issues in the state’s governance, particularly concerning the protection of religious minorities.
Beyond these specific incidents, the status of women in West Bengal has been alarming, with several high-profile cases of gender-based violence drawing attention to the state’s struggles. Cases like: Kamdhuni gang rape in 2013, the Park Street rape case in 2012, and more recent incidents in Katwa, Ranaghat, and Basirhat highlight the recurring nature of such crimes.
Critics argue that the state has failed to implement effective measures to protect women, especially in rural areas, and to ensure swift justice for victims. The handling of these cases has often been marred by allegations of police inaction, political interference, and a lack of sensitivity towards victims and their families.
The recurring incidents of violence and the state’s failure to protect vulnerable communities have fueled widespread criticism of the Mamata Banerjee administration. The perception of lawlessness under TMC rule continues to be a significant point of contention in West Bengal’s political landscape.
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