Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called for the resignations of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and all chief ministers of states failing to enact effective laws protecting women, PTI reported.
Banerjee made these demands during the assembly session following the introduction of the Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024. The bill aims to expedite investigations, ensure swift justice, and impose stricter penalties on offenders.
Addressing the assembly, Banerjee emphasised the need for social reforms to combat rape, describing it as a grave affront to humanity. She announced plans to establish a dedicated Aparajita Task Force within the police to expedite investigations once the bill is enacted.
Banerjee praised the bill as groundbreaking and a potential model for other states, highlighting its efforts to address shortcomings in existing central legislation concerning prompt and effective justice for victims and their families.
Amid chants from BJP MLAs calling for her resignation, Banerjee retorted with a challenge regarding similar demands against national leaders.
She criticised states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat for their disproportionately high rates of crimes against women, contrasting West Bengal’s purported success in securing justice for victims through legal avenues. Banerjee also expressed displeasure at the passage of legislation without prior consultation with her state, calling for discussions following the formation of a new central government.
Urging swift action, Banerjee called upon the governor to promptly sign the bill into law, stressing the state government’s commitment to ensuring its effective implementation. She demanded justice through CBI intervention and capital punishment for those found guilty, particularly lamenting the recent rape and murder case of the RG Kar medic.
The bill ultimately passed unanimously amid disruptions in the legislative session.
