A state of verbal contention has surfaced between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding the upheaval in Sandeshkhali, where numerous women have levelled allegations of sexual harassment against TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan.
As tensions persist in Sandeshkhali amidst protests by several women accusing Trinamool Congress leader Shajahan Sheikh and his associates of sexual misconduct, a fresh exchange of verbal volleys has erupted between the ruling party in West Bengal and the BJP.
During a party gathering on Friday, TMC Member of Parliament Abhishek Banerjee accused the BJP of instigating unrest in the violence-stricken Sandeshkhali and urged party members to take to the streets against the BJP's actions. Conversely, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain denounced the prevailing "jungle raj" in the state.
In the latest developments surrounding the Sandeshkhali unrest, a team from the West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights arrived in Dhamakhali, Sandeshkhali on Saturday.
Addressing TMC members, MP Abhishek Banerjee emphasized the urgency of taking action against the BJP, stating, "There’s no time to wait, hit the streets against BJP now." He also raised questions about the West Bengal Governor's absence from the site where four children tragically lost their lives recently, calling attention to the Governor's prompt visit following a BJP delegation's appeal.
Regarding the Sandeshkhali protests, BJP's Shahnawaz Hussain lamented the absence of governance in West Bengal and alleged assaults on BJP workers in the area, vowing legal recourse against such actions.
Former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly visited BJP Bengal president Sukanta Majumdar in the hospital, who sustained injuries during clashes between BJP workers and police in Sandeshkhali. Majumdar's hospitalization stemmed from an incident where he lost balance and fell, causing injuries.
In response to the escalating situation, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) recommended the imposition of President's rule in West Bengal, citing concerns over the reported harassment of women by TMC supporters in Sandeshkhali.
Amidst mounting tensions, a six-member BJP delegation faced obstruction by police en route to Sandeshkhali, prompting discussions with the West Bengal Governor and subsequent legal actions to gain access to the unrest-hit area.
Additionally, Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari petitioned the Calcutta High Court seeking permission to visit Sandeshkhali, following repeated denials by the police.
As the situation unfolds, a petition has been submitted to the Supreme Court, advocating for an investigation by either a Special Investigation Team (SIT) or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure a fair and impartial probe.
Furthermore, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has taken cognizance of reports regarding a child being subjected to harm in Sandeshkhali, issuing a notice to the district administration to promptly investigate the matter.
Against the backdrop of unrest, allegations against Trinamool Congress leader Shahjahan Sheikh and his associates continue, with Sheikh remaining elusive since a mob confrontation with Enforcement Directorate officers during a raid at his residence on January 5.
