In a state still recovering from the horrific gangrape of a young medical student, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee chose not to pursue justice or undertake significant reforms. Instead, she questioned why a 'girl child' was out at 12:30 AM, suggesting that they should not be permitted to go outside.
As if freedom is a privilege women must give-up after dark? Instead of providing security and responsibility, Didi provided warnings and fear. It raises serious questions like- is this indicative of political exhaustion, outdated thinking, or a complete disconnect from the actual situation of women in India?
Escalating an alreadyan ill-considered and foolish remark by didi, a senior TMC leader and MP Saugata Roy defended the state government, not by pledging reforms, but by deflecting criticism with a shameful comparison. He claimed that Bengal is 'safer than other states,' ...as if women's safety were a contest.
His following remark was even more revealing- "suggesting that women should avoid staying late at college because 'the police can’t be everywhere" . Excuse me Mr. Roy ? This is definately a concerning acknowledgment, not only of systemic failures but also of a mindset that continues to place the burden of safety on women, rather than on the institutions meant to protect them.
Facing widespread criticism, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed that her remarks were 'misrepresented' and 'misunderstood.' This is a typical political defense, indicating that questioning a victim's presence at 12:30 AM was meant differently. However, the message was clear, and the harm was already caused. So, stop acting as if you're innocent; everyone knows how straightforward your political tactics are.
My sincere questions for the Chief Minister of West Bengal:
1)Why were there no functioning street lights in the area where the crime occurred?
2) Why was public security so weak, especially in and around an educational institution?
3) Why was there no visible police presence or patrolling in an area frequented by young women at night?
4) Why has the focus shifted to questioning the victim’s timing rather than the system’s failure?
5) Shouldn’t the leadership accept responsibility for a law-and-order lapse instead of offering moral commentary?
When women are told to fear the streets instead of trusting the system, it’s the leadership that needs to be questioned- not their freedom.Don’t Tell Women to Stay Home- Tell the System to Do Its Job !