The political war of words in West Bengal has intensified after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made a controversial remark while reacting to the recent Durgapur gangrape case. Her question — “Why was she out at 12:30 am?” — has drawn strong criticism from the BJP, which accused the CM of victim-shaming instead of standing with the survivor.
The remark that sparked outrage
While addressing reporters, Mamata Banerjee said the government would take strict action against the accused but also questioned why the medical college student was outside so late at night. She further added that private medical colleges should ensure their students’ safety and not allow them to leave the campus at odd hours.
Her statement quickly went viral, triggering a massive backlash on social media and from opposition parties. Many accused the chief minister of reinforcing outdated stereotypes that blame women for being out at night rather than focusing on the perpetrators of violence.
BJP’s sharp reaction
The Bharatiya Janata Party wasted no time in slamming Mamata’s comments. BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia called her statement “shameful” and said that a woman chief minister should be the last person to question a survivor’s choices or timing. He accused her of “trying to victim shame” and diverting attention from the state’s failure to ensure women’s safety.
West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar also hit out at Banerjee, saying, “Instead of condemning the crime, she chose to question the victim. Does that mean women in Bengal should lock themselves inside their homes after dark?”
The party further alleged that crimes against women have risen sharply under the Trinamool Congress government and called Bengal a “safe haven for criminals.”
Mamata’s clarification
After the backlash, Mamata Banerjee tried to clarify her statement, saying her words were taken “out of context.” She insisted that her intention was not to blame the victim but to highlight the responsibility of institutions to ensure student safety.
However, her clarification hasn’t completely eased the criticism. Many women’s rights activists say the CM’s initial tone reflected a mindset that still questions victims rather than addressing deeper issues of law enforcement and accountability.
Larger debate on women’s safety
The controversy has reignited discussions about how political leaders speak about crimes against women. Critics argue that such remarks — intentional or not — reinforce a culture where women’s actions are scrutinized instead of demanding justice for them.
Women’s groups across the state have called for greater sensitivity in public statements and stronger efforts from the government to improve policing, street lighting, and campus security.
What lies ahead
With public anger growing and opposition attacks mounting, the Durgapur case has quickly become both a law-and-order challenge and a political flashpoint.
While investigations continue, Mamata Banerjee’s remark has opened a wider debate — one that goes beyond party lines — about whether India’s leaders are truly ready to change the way the system views survivors of sexual violence.
