West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday, amidst the ongoing turmoil in Sandeshkhali, accusing it of instigating unrest in the area.
She alleged the involvement of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and its association with the BJP while also expressing discontent with certain media outlets for sensationalizing the situation.
Sandeshkhali, a village located in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, has been engulfed in protests following allegations of sexual misconduct against women by a local TMC leader, Sheikh Shahjahan, and his associates.
Addressing the incident, Mamata Banerjee remarked, "The events in Sandeshkhali appear to be carefully orchestrated. Initially, the Enforcement Directorate arrived on the scene, followed by the BJP, which is closely linked. Subsequently, various media platforms amplified the issue, blowing a minor incident out of proportion."
Furthermore, the Chief Minister reiterated her commitment to upholding justice, stating, "I have consistently stood against injustice."
During a public gathering, Mamata Banerjee urged individuals with grievances to come forward, assuring them that any unlawfully seized land would be restored.
"I am dispatching officials to Sandeshkhali. Those with grievances, please come forward. Any land unlawfully acquired will be returned," she assured the crowd.
Mamata Banerjee also highlighted that no women from the troubled regions of Sandeshkhali have filed FIRs regarding the matter.
Multiple women in the area have accused Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters of land usurpation and coercive sexual assaults.
Shajahan has been evading authorities since a group allegedly associated with him assaulted Enforcement Directorate officials during a raid on his premises on January 5, linked to an investigation into a ration scam.
Earlier in the day, three ministers from Bengal visited Sandeshkhali, where protests have been ongoing, to "listen to the people's grievances." Additionally, the land department has established camps to register complaints from villagers concerning alleged land seizures.
Meanwhile, BJP and Congress leaders have criticized Mamata Banerjee for what they perceive as fostering a "lawless environment" and attempting to "communalize the situation."
