Mamata Banerjee Demands Modi's Resignation Over Women's Safety

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee demanded PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and various state CMs resign for failing to implement effective legislations for women's safety. She introduced the Aparajita Woman and Child Bill 2024, aiming for fast justice delivery and harsher punishments for offenders.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and state chief ministers who have failed to implement effective women's safety legislations.

During the assembly session, Banerjee tabled the Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024. The proposed law seeks swift investigations, fast-tracked justice, and harsher penalties for offenders.

Amidst chaotic scenes as BJP legislators called for her resignation over an alleged rape and murder at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Banerjee also demanded Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari's resignation for delaying the Bill's passage.

'We urged the Centre to amend existing laws for stricter punishments and quicker justice but received no support,' Banerjee said. 'This Bill, once enacted, can serve as a model for the country.'

Banerjee tabled letters she wrote to PM Modi, including a counter to Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi's response. 'I demand the resignation of Modi, Shah, and CMs who failed to ensure the safety of women and children,' she reiterated.

Seeking justice for the RG Kar incident, Banerjee underscored the need for social reforms to prevent such crimes. The Bill proposes a special Aparajita Task Force for timely investigations.

Labeling the Bill as 'historic,' Banerjee pointed to its alignment with the 1981 UN convention against discrimination towards women.

As BJP MLAs protested, Banerjee retorted, 'What if I raise slogans against the PM and HM for the same reasons?' Claiming high crime rates in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, she said West Bengal courts are delivering justice.

Responding to Adhikari, Banerjee cited West Bengal's 88 fast-track and 50 women-specific courts, highlighting their disposal of over 3,11,000 cases. She criticized the Centre for not consulting the state before passing BNS.

Banerjee urged the opposition to prompt the governor's assent to the Bill, assuring the state government's commitment to its effective enactment.

Referring to the Kamduni rape case, she lamented the failure to secure capital punishment. The Bill passed unanimously, despite opposition labeling it an 'eyewash' after rejecting Adhikari's amendments.

(With inputs from agencies.)