Mamata Banerjee Demands Resignations of PM Modi and Amit Shah as Bengal Assembly Passes ‘Aparajita’ Anti-Rape Bill
Mamata Banerjee addressed the ‘Aparajita’ anti-rape bill presented in the state assembly on Tuesday.
Image Source: Hindustan Times
On Tuesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called for the resignations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the chief ministers of all states where recent incidents of rape and sexual abuse have been reported, accusing them of failing to implement effective legislation to protect women. Speaking in the West Bengal Assembly after presenting the Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024, Banerjee stated that the bill aims to ensure swift investigations, speedy justice, and harsher penalties for offenders.
The bill seeks to enhance protections for women and children by revising existing laws and introducing new provisions concerning rape and sexual offenses. The bill was introduced while junior doctors continued protesting, demanding strict punishment for those responsible for the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. Banerjee described rape as a “curse against humanity” and emphasized the need for social reforms to prevent such crimes. She urged the Opposition to ask Governor CV Ananda Bose to sign the Aparajita Bill, adding, “It is our responsibility to enact it after that.” She also highlighted that the bill addresses loopholes in central legislation.
When BJP MLAs demanded her resignation, Banerjee retorted, “What if I raise slogans against the prime minister and the home minister for the same reasons you are raising slogans against me?” She claimed that states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat have alarmingly high crime rates against women, whereas in West Bengal, women subjected to violence are receiving justice in courts. Banerjee further alleged that West Bengal was not consulted before the passage of the BNS legislation and stated, “We wanted discussions on it after the formation of the new government at the Centre.” Expressing her grief over the rape and murder of the RG Kar medical student, Banerjee demanded justice from the CBI and the death penalty for the perpetrators.
The bill was unanimously passed in the Assembly with full support from the Opposition, despite some chaotic scenes in the House. Amendments proposed to the bill by Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari were not accepted. The draft legislation calls for capital punishment for those convicted of rape if the crime results in the victim’s death or leaves her in a vegetative state.
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- Aryan Gulati is a dedicated media student based in Meerut with a wealth of experience in various newspapers and media houses. He has numerous published articles and specializes in political and crime news writing, demonstrating a strong commitment to impactful journalism.
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