On Wednesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee posted a heartfelt note on X addressing the youth of the state. The message was released on the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad Foundation Day, coinciding with a significant youth-led protest demanding her resignation. The protests were sparked by the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkatas RG Kar Hospital.In her post, Banerjee dedicated the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad Foundation Day to the memory of the victim, expressing deep condolences to her family and all women affected by similar tragedies. Today I dedicate Trinamool Chhatra Parishad Foundation Day to our sister, whom we mourned the tragic loss of at RG Kar Hospital a few days ago. And please, our heartfelt condolences to the family of the sister who was brutally tortured to death and seeking speedy justice, as well as to all the women of all ages across India who have been subjected to such inhumane acts. Sorry, Banerjee wrote.আজ তৃণমূল ছাত্র পরিষদের প্রতিষ্ঠা দিবসটিকে আমি উৎসর্গ করছি আমাদের সেই বোনটিকে, যাঁকে আমরা কয়েক দিন আগে আর জি কর হাসপাতালে মর্মান্তিকভাবে হারিয়ে শোকাহত।আর জি করে আমাদের সেই যে বোনকে নির্মমভাবে নির্যাতন করে হত্যা করা হয়েছিল, তাঁর পরিবারের প্রতি আন্তরিকতম সমবেদনা জানিয়ে এবং…— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 28, 2024She emphasized the important role of students and youth in shaping society, encouraging them to stay committed and hopeful. My appeal to all of them today, be encouraged in this effort, stay committed. My dear students, stay well, stay healthy, stay committed to a bright future, she added.BJPs response and bandh callIn reaction to the polices handling of the protests, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for a 12-hour bandh in West Bengal. BJP State Leader Suvendu Adhikari has urged Governor CV Ananda Bose to consider imposing Presidents Rule in the state.BJP criticizes police actions and Banerjees silenceBJP President J.P. Nadda condemned the polices actions in Kolkata, alleging excessive force against protesters demanding justice for the deceased doctor. He criticized the state government, saying, In Didis West Bengal, to help rapists and criminals is valued. Naddas remarks followed reports of police using water cannons, tear gas, and lathi charges to disperse demonstrators who were reportedly throwing stones and attempting to breach barricades.Nadda accused Banerjee of ignoring the crime and repressing public dissent. He claimed that the chief ministers actions have been ruthless, with significant police resources deployed to manage the protests. “The images of police highhandedness from Kolkata have angered every person who values democratic principles. In Didis West Bengal, to help rapists and criminals is valued but its a crime to speak for womens safety,” he said on X.
