Mamata Banerjee Condemns BJP's 'Bengal Bandh', Calls It an Attempt to Defame Bengal

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the BJP's 12-hour 'Bengal Bandh,' characterizing it as an effort to tarnish the state's image. She called for justice for victims of various incidents and announced a forthcoming bill to impose capital punishment for rapists.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday sharply criticized the BJP's 12-hour 'Bengal Bandh,' denouncing it as a deliberate effort to 'defame' Bengal. The bandh followed the violence during the 'Nabanna Abhijan' rally.

Banerjee asserted that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government is seeking justice for victims of the R G Kar Hospital and College incident. 'We have dedicated this day to the RG Kar doctor. We want justice but BJP today called for a bandh. They don't want justice, they are only trying to defame Bengal,' she said.

Further condemning the bandh, Banerjee supported police actions during the 'Nabanna Abhijan' protests and criticized the BJP for not demanding resignations in other states. 'The rapist will be rightfully punished,' she added, and announced a bill to ensure capital punishment for rapists would be introduced within 10 days.

'Next week, we will convene an Assembly session and pass a Bill within 10 days to ensure capital punishment for rapists. If the Governor doesn't pass it, we will sit outside Raj Bhavan. This Bill must be passed, and he cannot evade accountability this time,' she declared.

Echoing her sentiments, TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee opposed the BJP-led 'Bengal Bandh' and demanded legislation to address crimes against women. 'If a time-bound legislation pertaining to crimes against women is not passed by the Centre in the next 3-4 months, Trinamool Congress will hold a major movement in Delhi,' he warned.

BJP organized the 12-hour bandh after Kolkata police used force against protestors during the 'Nabanna Abhiyan' rally, involving lathi charge, water cannons, and tear gas.

(With inputs from agencies.)