BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla has unleashed a blistering attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, following the Calcutta High Court’s decision to transfer the investigation of the gruesome rape and murder of a woman trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The High Court’s move, a stark indication of its lack of faith in the state government and police, has sparked a fresh wave of political outrage in West Bengal.
In a press conference held here on Friday, he wasted no time in capitalising on the court’s decision, accusing Mamata’s government of a complete breakdown in governance. “The Calcutta High Court has no faith in the West Bengal government and police. That’s why the investigation has been handed over to the CBI,” Poonawalla declared, framing the High Court’s ruling as a damning verdict on the state administration’s competence.
Poonawalla’s attack didn’t stop at the issue of law enforcement; he questioned the Chief Minister’s moral and constitutional authority to remain in office. “When will Mamata Banerjee take responsibility for the incident? When will she tender her resignation?” the BJP leader demanded.
“There is no moral authority, legal authority, or constitutional propriety left for Mamata Banerjee to continue as Chief Minister of West Bengal for even a minute. She has failed the citizens of West Bengal,” the BJP Spokesperson added, calling into question Mamata’s leadership in the face of such a tragic and highly publicised crime.
The BJP leader also took exception at Mamata’s controversial comments following the violent incidents on August 14-15, where she reportedly attributed the violence to factions she labeled as “Bam and Ram.”
Poonawalla accused Mamata of attempting to deflect blame and stir communal tensions rather than addressing the core issues of law and order. “She said that the violence was orchestrated by ‘Bam and Ram.’ The anti-Hindu mindset of TMC doesn’t even rest in a case as sensitive as this,” he stated, criticising what he perceived as Mamata’s politically motivated narrative.
Poonawalla’s sharp criticism reflects the BJP’s broader strategy of highlighting alleged failures of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, particularly in handling issues of safety, security, and communal harmony. His comments come at a time when the state government is under intense scrutiny, not only from the judiciary but also from the public, who are increasingly questioning the effectiveness of the current administration.
The High Court’s decision to involve the CBI has added fuel to an already raging political fire in West Bengal, with opposition parties seizing the opportunity to intensify their calls for accountability.
As the CBI takes over the investigation, the pressure on Mamata’s government is likely to escalate, with the BJP and other opposition voices continuing to hammer away at what they describe as systemic failures under her leadership.
The unfolding political drama and the outcome of the CBI investigation will likely have significant ramifications for the political landscape in West Bengal, as Mamata and her party navigate the growing criticism and demands for accountability in the wake of this tragic incident.
