West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will visit Sandeshkhali on Monday for the first time since allegations of sexual harassment and land grabbing by local Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders sparked large-scale protests earlier this year.
Banerjee, speaking from the state secretariat, explained that her visit is focused on distributing benefits under various state government schemes and addressing local concerns. She emphasized that around 20,000 beneficiaries will benefit from programs like ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ and ‘Banglar Bari,’ and she plans to hand over certificates to approximately 100 people during the event.
The Chief Minister also clarified that this visit was part of a commitment she made before the Lok Sabha elections, assuring locals that she would come to Sandeshkhali.
In response, BJP Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has announced a counter-event for the following day. The sexual harassment and land grab issue has been a major political flashpoint between the BJP and TMC. Adhikari plans to lead a ‘Jana Sanjog Yatra’ to engage with residents and promote the BJP’s vision for the region.
Earlier this year, Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers were attacked while attempting to raid TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan’s residence in connection with a ration scam. Following this, several women alleged land seizures and sexual harassment by Shahjahan and his associates, leading to protests and calls for his arrest. While Banerjee accused the BJP, ED, and media of conspiring against her party, Shahjahan was eventually arrested after a 55-day manhunt and suspended from the TMC.
Despite the controversy, the BJP failed to secure the Basirhat Lok Sabha seat, with TMC veteran Haji Nurul Islam winning comfortably over BJP candidate Rekha Patra.
