BJP Criticizes Mamata Banerjee’s Anti-Rape Law, Claims Media Gag

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s newly introduced anti-rape law, the Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment Bill) 2024. The BJP claims the law seeks to silence the media and distract from the recent rape and murder case at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata.

BJP Accuses Mamata of Diverting Attention

BJP National Spokesperson Amit Malviya accused Mamata Banerjee of hiding her “criminal intent” behind the new legislation. According to Malviya, the law is a desperate attempt to divert public attention from widespread protests following the tragic incident involving a young doctor in Kolkata. He also alleged that the bill includes provisions that would restrict media reporting on judicial proceedings in rape cases, effectively curtailing press freedom.

Malviya tweeted, “Why is Mamata Banerjee trying to silence the media? So much for free speech and press freedom!” He also urged Banerjee to focus on genuine actions to address crimes against women, including taking a stand against those accused of such heinous acts.

Mamata Defends the New Law

In response, Mamata Banerjee defended the bill in the West Bengal Assembly, citing high-profile rape cases in BJP-ruled states like Unnao and Hathras. She criticized the central government for passing the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) without consulting her state, and expressed her commitment to protecting women in West Bengal.

Mamata took to X, saying, “A society that cannot ensure the safety of its women can never be ideal. Today, GoWB passed the historic Aparajita anti-rape Bill to address pertinent issues caused by gaps in the existing criminal laws. Let us all unite together and address this menace collectively!”

BJP Leaders Continue to Oppose

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan labeled the new anti-rape bill as a “diversionary tactic.” He questioned whether the law would be applied to individuals like Sheikh Shahjahan, the main accused in the Sandeshkhali sexual abuse case, and criticized Mamata Banerjee for not implementing the law earlier.

BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar echoed Chouhan’s sentiments, calling the legislation “unconstitutional” and merely a dramatic gesture by Banerjee. He also suggested that the bill would likely be challenged and overturned by the Supreme Court.

TMC Hails the Bill as Historic

Despite the criticism, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh praised the bill as a historic move by the Mamata Banerjee-led government. He emphasized that the bill aims to provide stringent punishments, including the death penalty, for those convicted of rape and murder, and urged the Governor of West Bengal to approve it.

The Aparajita Bill 2024 is designed to expedite investigations, ensure swift justice, and impose harsher penalties on those convicted of rape, including life imprisonment without parole. However, the BJP continues to raise concerns about the potential impact on press freedom and transparency in judicial proceedings, calling for amendments to the bill and the establishment of fast-track courts to handle crimes against women and minors.