West Bengal Minister Swapan Debnath has ignited controversy by stating that parents should keep an eye on their daughters during the ‘Reclaim the Night’ movement. He cited an incident where a protester allegedly consumed alcohol with men, raising concerns about gender norms and personal freedoms.
Debnath emphasized that while the Bengal government holds responsibility for any unfortunate incidents, ensuring women’s safety is a collective duty. “What if something untoward would have happened to the woman? Our men had kept vigil at that time. But if they were not around? My words for parents — your daughter had gone to join a protest. That’s fine. But later, she was seen consuming liquor. We informed you (parents) to take her home; we also asked the police to ensure she is safe,” he stated.
In a video message to a crowd in Purba Bardhaman district, Debnath claimed that during a recent ‘Reclaim the Night’ movement in Purbasthali, a woman and two men were spotted drinking beer at a hotel. Thousands of women participated in the third edition of the campaign on September 8, demanding justice for a doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital.
In response to the uproar, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) sought to distance itself from Debnath’s remarks. Senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh stated, “We cannot dictate any individual’s behavior, whether man or woman, regarding drinking or where they go. We are not into moral policing.” However, he acknowledged the importance of women’s safety concerns in Debnath’s comments but questioned the manner in which those views were articulated.
Debnath also mentioned that he has urged hotel owners in his area not to sell liquor to women after midnight. He urged parents to remain vigilant, saying, “Your daughter went for a protest demanding safety for other women. But monitor what she is doing outside after midnight.” He reiterated that any untoward incident would hold the state accountable. “We are certainly responsible for the safety of women, but those out there also have a responsibility,” he added.
