Mamata Banerjee's Cricket Celebration Met with BJP Criticism Over Previous Comments on Women's Safety

BJP Bengal cleverly referenced Banerjee's previous statements regarding a gang-rape incident from last month.

New Delhi:

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's celebratory message congratulating India's historic women's cricket World Cup triumph was met with pointed criticism from the BJP, who reminded the Trinamool Congress leader about her controversial comments regarding women being outside late at night.

Shortly after Harmanpreet Kaur led Team India to a historic achievement by securing India's first Women's World Cup trophy with an impressive 52-run victory over South Africa, Banerjee expressed on X that the "entire nation is incredibly proud of Women in Blue."

"The fight they showed and the command they displayed throughout the tournament will be an inspiration for generations of young girls. You have proved that you are a world-class team at the apex level, and you gave us some absolutely brilliant moments. You are our heroes. Many bigger victories await you in the future. We stand with you!" she stated.

In response, BJP Bengal referenced Banerjee's recent statements about a gang-rape case, sarcastically commenting, "OMG they were playing till 12! But you had told them to be home by 8."

Following the gang rape of an MBBS student in West Bengal's Durgapur last month, Banerjee had questioned why the 23-year-old student was able to leave campus late at night. She commented that private medical colleges should take responsibility for their students and monitor "culture at night." "She was studying in a private medical college. Whose responsibility is it? How did she come out at 12.30 at night? They should not be allowed to come out. They have to protect themselves. It is a forest area," the Chief Minister remarked.

Banerjee's comments triggered significant backlash, with the BJP accusing her of "blaming the victim" rather than ensuring justice in cases of sexual violence. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia stated that a Chief Minister who advises girls against going out at night has "no moral right to stay in office." "People now realise they have reposed faith in an anarchist, heartless Mamata. She must resign and be held accountable under law," he declared.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla claimed Banerjee "blames the beti (daughter) and defends the Balatkari (rapist). "Time and again: RG Kar, Sandeshkhali, Park Street - this has been done," he added.

Regarding the Durgapur gang rape case, a second-year medical student from Odisha pursuing an MBBS degree at a private medical college in Durgapur was allegedly gang raped on October 10 in a forested area. The woman was with a friend when several men approached them, took her to a secluded location, and assaulted her before fleeing.

According to the survivor's family, her friend was also implicated in the crime, allegedly having "misled and took her to a vacant place under false pretexts." The perpetrators also stole the woman's phone and took Rs 5,000 from her, according to the complaint.

Officials confirmed that the primary suspect was identified as Firdous Sheikh, with five others named as co-accused – all of whom were arrested. This included the survivor's boyfriend and classmate.