In a heated political climate, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has taken a firm stand against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following derogatory comments made by party leaders regarding the dignity of women in West Bengal. The remarks, made during the launch of the BJP’s “Women’s Honor March” in Bolpur, have sparked outrage, prompting TMC leaders to announce plans for a statewide protest if an apology is not issued.
The controversy erupted when BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar suggested that traditional symbols of femininity, such as “shankha” (conch shell) and “sindoor” (vermilion), woudl not be sold for a mere ₹500. This statement was perceived as an insult to the women benefiting from the Lakshmi Bhandar scheme, initiated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in 2021 to empower women through financial support. Currently, this initiative aids over 2.21 million women each month, providing them with a sense of independence and dignity. TMC leaders, including Minister Shashi Panja and MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, have condemned the BJP’s remarks, asserting that the party is attempting to undermine the value of women in the state.
The TMC Women’s Congress has made it clear that they will not tolerate such disrespect.They have vowed to organize protests across the state if the BJP fails to apologize for their comments. This incident highlights the ongoing political rivalry in West Bengal, where issues of women’s empowerment and dignity are at the forefront of the electoral discourse. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will impact the political landscape in the region, especially with the upcoming elections on the horizon.
