Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called up Rekha Patra, one of the protesters of the incidents of sexual harassment in Sandeshkhali and BJP’s pick from West Bengal’s Basirhat Lok Sabha seat.
During their conversation, the Prime Minister inquired about the sentiments of the people and referred to her as “Shakti Swaroopa” (embodiment of power). Patra briefed the Prime Minister about the challenges faced by the residents of the island, who allege harassment by Trinamool Congress leaders, and expressed gratitude for his support.
The allegations of land grabbing, extortion, and sexual harassment by Trinamool leaders in Sandeshkhali have become a significant topic ahead of the Lok Sabha election.
With the intention to highlight these issues, the BJP has nominated Patra as its candidate for the Basirhat seat, which encompasses Sandeshkhali.
Notably, earlier this year, TMC strongman from the area Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates were accused of land grabbing and sexually assaulting women. While most of his aides were caught, it took the police around 55 days to arrest Shahjahan after several rounds of court hearings.
Even after his arrest, drama had unfolded over who gets to have Shahjahan’s custody. Earlier this month, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) managed to overcome the attempts by the West Bengal government in keeping the accused in its ambit.
In fact, former leader of the Trinamool Congress, Tapas Roy, had slammed the party for its way of handling the Sandeshkhali incident. Roy had also claimed that the Sandeshkhali incident was one of the reasons why he quit the TMC.
After Shahjahan’s arrest, widespread protests had erupted in Sandeshkhali against him and several women accused him and his aides of torture. The situation turned so violent in Sandeshkhali, that the police had to clamp restraining orders under Section 144.
Several BJP and CPI(M) leaders tried to reach the island despite Section 144 and were instead detained by the police. Later, the court allowed a few of them, including BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, to reach Sandeshkhali.
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