PM Modi Sharpens Attack on TMC, Projects RG Kar Victim’s Mother as BJP Candidate

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a strong political offensive against the All India Trinamool Congress during a public rally in West Bengal, using the RG Kar hospital case to question the state government’s record on women’s safety.

Addressing a gathering in Dum Dum, the Prime Minister appeared alongside the mother of the young doctor whose death in 2024 sparked nationwide outrage. Highlighting her journey, he said the woman had worked tirelessly to educate her daughter, only to lose her under what he described as a breakdown of law and order in the state.

The victim’s mother, Ratna Debnath, has now been nominated by the Bharatiya Janata Party as its candidate from Panihati, turning her into a symbolic face in the party’s campaign.

The tragic death of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in August 2024 triggered widespread protests across the country. The incident, which involved serious criminal charges, led to intense criticism of the state administration and demands for accountability.

During his speech, Modi accused the state leadership of failing to ensure justice and alleged that voices demanding accountability were suppressed. He framed the issue as part of a broader pattern affecting women’s safety in the state.

The Prime Minister also referred to the controversy in Sandeshkhali, which had drawn attention over allegations of exploitation and intimidation. He claimed that victims in such cases were discouraged from speaking out, while asserting that his party was giving them political representation.

This strategy reflects a wider effort by the BJP to connect with women voters—an influential demographic that has traditionally supported Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her party.

Closing his address, Modi pledged strict action against crimes targeting women if the BJP forms the government in the state. He assured that pending cases related to such incidents would be revisited and justice pursued.

With elections approaching, the BJP appears to be positioning women’s safety and justice as central campaign themes, aiming to challenge the TMC’s long-standing support base in West Bengal.