Kolkata, Feb 15: Senior BJP leader Amit Malviya criticized the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government for its inadequate response to violence and crimes against women, highlighting recent incidents in Sandeshkhali and RG Kar hospital as key examples.
When questioned by reporters regarding the lack of an increase in the monthly financial support under the ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ scheme in the upcoming 2025-26 budget, Malviya refrained from giving a straightforward answer.
Instead, he emphasized the contradiction between the TMC government’s claims of supporting women’s welfare through initiatives and its alleged complicity with those committing violence against women in the state.
“While the Chief Minister touts her government’s financial aid to women and professes her concern for their well-being, she overlooks horrifying incidents such as the sexual abuses in Sandeshkhali. Instead of taking action, she and her party defend offenders like Shahjahan Sheikh,” Malviya stated during a press conference in Asansol, Paschim Bardhaman district.
Referring to the brutal rape and murder of a female medic from R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, which incited national outrage, Malviya accused the Chief Minister of protecting the culprits.
“Even after such a shocking crime shocked the nation, the woman Chief Minister attempts to shield those responsible,” he said, asserting that this reveals her genuine lack of commitment to women’s empowerment despite her public declarations.
On the arrests of TMC leaders and ministers facing corruption allegations, Malviya remarked, “The ruling party’s members are becoming entwined with syndicates and mafias, leaving ordinary citizens living in fear.”
“Why are the party’s MPs and MLAs implicated in taking bribes for state projects? The terms TMC and ‘cut money’ have become synonymous in West Bengal. The people will vote to replace this corrupt regime with the BJP in 2026,” he added.
Malviya asserted that the BJP is committed to bringing in good governance, eliminating corruption, and ensuring a safe environment for women.
He further alleged that around 4,000 industrial units in both public and private sectors have shut down in West Bengal, with 150,000 migrant workers seeking employment outside the state.
“This is not the Sonar Bangla we envisioned. The state government has failed to provide a roadmap for reviving these 4,000 industrial units, nor has it presented any viable plan to the Centre. The ruling TMC lacks any substantial strategy for industrial growth, as reflected in the state budget,” Malviya claimed, contesting the state’s allegations of discrimination in the Union budget and asserting that the TMC has mismanaged funds allocated by the central government, which were, according to him, siphoned off by party leaders.
“Once the BJP takes power next year, we will create an environment conducive to investments by improving law and order,” he stated.
When discussing the Calcutta High Court’s recent conditional approval for RSS to hold a rally in Purba Bardhaman on February 16, Malviya remarked, “Any events organized by the BJP, RSS, or similar groups face obstacles under the Mamata Banerjee administration, prompting the need for intervention from the High Court.”
He continued, “Mamata Banerjee is attempting to suppress alternative voices necessary for a functioning opposition. Her tactics to silence dissent will no longer be tolerated.”
Additionally, he criticized Banerjee’s concerns about fraudulent names on electoral rolls as unfounded, stemming from her anxiety over potentially losing the 2026 assembly elections due to her tactics of manipulation and intimidation, which he claimed would be countered by the Election Commission.
