Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday sought the resignations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and Chief Ministers of all BJP-ruled states where the crime of rape has been on the rise.
The Trinamul Congress supremo raised the demand while speaking during the presentation of the anti-rape Bill, Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024, which prescribes death for rapists, by her party at a special session in the Assembly. The bill was later passed by the House.
Banerjee, who is facing demands for her resignation, said in a bid to turn the tables: “We have not shown disrespect to the PM the way you have done it to me. Did you ever think what will you do if our party talks against the PM, home minister and the CMs of your states the way you are doing against me?”
She elaborated: “I wanted the Central government to enact this law. We have only plugged the gaps they left in the law. If a rape accused gets bail after seven months of committing the crime and is garlanded, will it be encouragement or punishment?”
The CM was referring to some Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) provisions which have been sought for amendment in the new state Bill. One of those provisions is Section 64 of the BNS that awards a rape convict rigorous imprisonment not less than 10 years, which may extend to a life term.
The state legislation enhanced the jail term in such a case to the “remainder of that person’s natural life and fine, or with death.” It also underlined that the fine shall be fair and reasonable to meet medical expenses and rehabilitation costs of the victim.
Taking a dig at BJP-ruled states, Banerjee pointed out: “The rapists of Bilkis were garlanded after their release from jail. The culprits of the Unnao case were freed on parole. Our Sakshi Malik (wrestler) also faced torture.” BJP MLAs immediately erupted into vociferous protests.
Banerjee also highlighted her government's actions into the brutal rape and murder of the on-duty lady doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, and said: “We also want justice from the CBI. Let it punish the culprits and hang them. We want results also.” A war of words broke out when Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari protested against Banerjee's demand.
