Rekha Patra, hailing from Sandeshkhali in West Bengal, has emerged as a prominent figure in the women's protest against Sheikh Shahjahan, a suspended Trinamool Congress leader. With Shahjahan now behind bars, accused of illegal land grabs and sexual assault, Patra has become a symbol of resilience and courage in the area.
Her activism has not gone unnoticed, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently engaged in a conversation with her. Modi commended Patra, referring to her as "Shakti Swaroopa" (goddess-like), and discussed her campaign preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Basirhat.
In their interaction, Modi expressed his admiration for Patra's bravery and assured her of support from the Election Commission of India and adequate security arrangements for the elections. Patra, in turn, conveyed the challenges faced by the women of Sandeshkhali and emphasized the importance of taking action against the accused perpetrators.
Following the conversation, Patra expressed her gratitude for the Prime Minister's support and expressed her desire for Modi to visit Sandeshkhali and campaign for her. She vowed to leave no room for complaint from him or the BJP leadership if allowed to represent Basirhat.
Patra affirmed her commitment to working for the welfare of all people in Basirhat if elected, while also dismissing skeptics who question the authenticity of the complaints raised by the women of Sandeshkhali. She urged them to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and take responsibility for their actions.
Overall, Patra's journey from being a vocal protester to a political candidate reflects the power of grassroots activism and the potential for positive change in the democratic process.
