Narendra Modi is set to visit Sandeshkhali in West Bengal, a region under the political stronghold of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, as hinted by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. The village has been in the spotlight due to allegations of land grab and sexual assault against local TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh and his associates.
Adhikari, in an interview with India Today TV, disclosed that preparations for the Prime Minister’s visit are underway, with the final dates to be confirmed by the PMO. He also mentioned his own visit to the village, scheduled after receiving permission from the Calcutta High Court.
“The permission was granted on February 12, but Section 144 was imposed. Today, I received a specific order and will be visiting tomorrow to meet the families of the victims. Many BJP workers have been arrested, and I will meet their family members,” Adhikari stated to news agency ANI.
Adhikari, who switched from being a close aide of Mamata Banerjee to joining BJP in 2020, criticized Banerjee’s administration, claiming that she would lose the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He accused the TMC of shielding Sheikh Shahjahan, suggesting that the party needs such individuals for their political agenda.
The situation in Sandeshkhali has garnered national attention, leading to a visit by a delegation from the National Commission for Women (NCW) led by chairperson Rekha Sharma. After meeting with the victims, Sharma called for Banerjee’s resignation and the imposition of President’s Rule in the state, citing the severity of the situation.
In response, West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja criticized Sharma’s remarks, questioning the NCW’s actions in other states facing similar issues of violence against women. Panja highlighted incidents in Madhya Pradesh and Manipur, suggesting a biased approach by the NCW. She emphasized that the West Bengal government is committed to addressing such incidents and providing justice to the victims. Panja also urged the NCW to maintain impartiality and focus on addressing women’s issues across all states without bias or political agenda.