BJP attacks Mamata, saying, "Will she step down?" in response to TMC Neta's statement that "we will not save" doctors from public outrage.

As the political tensions surrounding the Kolkata rape-murder case escalate, a heated exchange has erupted between the BJP and the TMC. The situation was further inflamed by a statement from TMC MP Arup Chakraborty, who warned doctors that the party "will not save you" from public anger, adding to the already growing tensions between the two parties.

BJP attacks Mamata, saying, "Will she step down?" in response to TMC Neta's statement that "we will not save" doctors from public outrage.

On Tuesday, the BJP strongly condemned the controversial remarks made by TMC leaders in defense of Mamata Banerjee. The West Bengal Chief Minister has faced intense criticism from various quarters for her handling of the law and order situation in the state following the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a state-run hospital.

In his remarks at a rally in West Bengal, TMC MP Arup Chakraborty was quoted by media reports as saying, "In the name of the movement, you may go home or go about with your boyfriend. If a patient dies because of your strike and public anger falls on you, we will not save you." The BJP quickly seized on this statement, with the party's national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla comparing the TMC's approach to a "Talibani Mindset & Culture."

Poonawalla further questioned whether Mamata Banerjee would take responsibility for her party's stance, asking, "Any more evidence needed that the Mamata government stands with the rapists, not with the doctors, those crusading for justice, or with the victim’s family? Will she step down? Will the MP be sacked?" 

This incident is not the first time in recent weeks that a TMC politician's remarks have sparked similar outrage from the BJP. Earlier, on Sunday, TMC state minister Udayan Guha ignited a political storm by threatening to "break the fingers" of those who called for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to resign amid protests over the rape-murder case.

In response, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused the TMC of engaging in "real fascism," a term often used by opposition parties to criticize the BJP. In a post on X, Poonawalla referred to Udayan Guha as "Dictator Didi's minister," who had previously insulted and mocked women participating in a midnight march on August 14th. Poonawalla highlighted Guha's chilling warning, "If you point a finger at the CM, your fingers will be broken."

Poonawalla also pointed to other recent developments in the state, including the cancellation of a football match, police violence against protesters, and the sacking of TMC spokesperson Shantanu Sen for speaking out about Sandip Ghosh. He suggested that these actions are all indicative of what he called "real fascism."  

He continued by listing further examples in his post: "Kolkata police issues threat notices to citizens, summons doctors, football match canceled to avoid protests, Shantanu Sen sacked as spokesperson for speaking on Sandip Ghosh, Sukhendu Roy summoned—Talibani order to transfer 43 doctors, which was halted."

The BJP spokesperson also mentioned the parents of the deceased doctor, who have expressed feelings of betrayal by the TMC government and accused the state of attempting to protect the accused. "The parents of the victim have also spoken about how Mamata is suppressing the truth," Poonawalla stated.

'Mamata Banerjee wants to destroy evidence'  

Earlier in the day, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia held a press conference where he accused the West Bengal government of being "hell-bent" on tampering with evidence and protecting the accused in the rape-murder case. Bhatia called for Mamata Banerjee's resignation, stating, "Mamata Banerjee is the Chief Minister of West Bengal who also holds the Home Ministry and the Health Ministry. The main purpose of today's press conference is to demand her resignation and justice for our sister, who was brutally raped and murdered. Mamata Banerjee should resign."

He further alleged that Banerjee, through her actions or inactions, has been instrumental in destroying evidence crucial to ensuring that the accused are brought to justice under the new criminal law. "A chief minister, through her deeds or omissions, has acted to destroy evidence vital to ensuring that the accused receive the punishment they deserve. The destroyer is hell-bent on destroying the evidence," he added.

In another development, Kolkata Police summoned TMC MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy on Sunday, just hours after he demanded that the CBI interrogate Kolkata Police Commissioner and the former principal of Kar Medical College and Hospital. The police also issued summonses to former BJP MP Locket Chatterjee and two well-known doctors for allegedly spreading rumors and disclosing the identity of the woman doctor who was raped and murdered at R G Kar Medical College.