Lagatar24 Desk
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress (TMC) are under intense scrutiny and facing one of the most severe protests of their political tenure. The public outrage stems from the mishandling of the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The case has shocked the nation and led to widespread demonstrations, with the anger of Mamata’s key supporters, particularly women, being particularly pronounced.
Public discontent has escalated across India, with candlelight vigils and protests taking place in Kolkata and other major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. The mishandling of the case, coupled with the lack of transparency from the state government, has drawn severe criticism from various quarters, including opposition parties and civil society.
During his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi indirectly addressed the case, emphasizing the need for swift justice in crimes against women to restore public trust. His remarks have added further pressure on Mamata Banerjee, who finds herself cornered by both political rivals and the public.
Mamata Banerjee’s response to the situation has been widely criticized. She accused opposition parties, including the BJP and CPI(M), of exploiting the tragedy for political gains. Her controversial comparison of the protests in Kolkata to the unrest in Bangladesh has only intensified the backlash, with many viewing her remarks as an attempt to deflect criticism.
The TMC government has been accused of several missteps in handling the case, including delays in informing the victim’s family about the discovery of her body and registering the case as an “unnatural death” rather than a murder. The resignation of the RG Kar Medical College principal, followed by his immediate appointment to another prominent position, has further fueled allegations of a cover-up.
The Kolkata Police’s slow progress in the investigation and the lack of transparency have led to the case being transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the Calcutta High Court. The post-mortem report suggests that the victim was gang-raped, which has only deepened public anger.
Mamata Banerjee, known for her ability to turn adversity into political advantage, is facing an unprecedented challenge. While she has previously emerged stronger from crises, the current situation, marked by widespread public outrage and questions about her government’s commitment to women’s safety, presents a significant test ahead of the crucial 2026 assembly elections.
