West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday, September 3, called for the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the chief ministers of states that have failed to implement effective legislation to protect women
During an Assembly session, after introducing the Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024, Banerjee emphasized that the bill aims to ensure swift investigations, expedited justice, and stricter punishments for perpetrators of crimes against women.
“Rape is a grave violation of humanity, and social reforms are essential to prevent such atrocities,” Banerjee stated. She added that once the bill is passed, a special Aparajita Task Force will be established within the police force to ensure timely completion of investigations.
Describing the bill as “historic and a model for other states,” Banerjee claimed that it addresses the shortcomings of central legislation in providing prompt and effective justice for victims and their families.
When BJP MLAs demanded her resignation, Banerjee countered by questioning why similar demands were not made for the prime minister and home minister, given the same issues.
She criticized states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat for their alarmingly high rates of crimes against women, contrasting them with West Bengal, where she claimed women are receiving justice through the courts.
Banerjee also expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of consultation with West Bengal before passing the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and urged the opposition to push the governor to sign the Aparajita Bill without delay. She assured that the state government would take responsibility for its effective implementation.
Expressing sorrow over the rape and murder of an R.G. Kar Medical College student, Banerjee demanded justice and the death penalty for the guilty.
The bill was eventually passed unanimously amid some disruptions in the Assembly.
(With inputs from agency)
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