Mamata faces backlash for remarks seen as victim-shaming in Durgapur case
The alleged gangrape of a second-year medical student in Durgapur has triggered political outrage across West Bengal. The BJP accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of failing to maintain law and order. The controversy deepened after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee remarked that girls “should not be allowed to go outside at night.”
Soon after her comment, BJP leaders launched a sharp attack. They accused Banerjee of victim-shaming instead of ensuring justice for the survivor. BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia called her a “blot on womanhood” and said she blamed the victim instead of fixing accountability. He posted on X that Banerjee’s remarks showed insensitivity toward women’s safety.
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar also criticised Banerjee. He said her statement reflected a regressive mindset. “Earlier, during the RG Kar incident, her government suggested fewer night shifts for women. Now she says girls should not step out at night. Does she want all women to wear burqas and stay at home?” he asked.
The National Commission for Women also reacted sharply. Member Archana Majumdar called the remark “absurd” and said women contribute equally in every sector, from hospitals to space missions. “It is the chief minister’s duty to ensure women’s safety, not to restrict their freedom,” she added.
BJP West Bengal Secretary Priyanka Tibrewal termed the remark “insensitive.” She said Banerjee should focus on arresting the culprits instead of blaming the survivor. “Once again, she tries to shift the blame. It is clear victim-shaming,” Tibrewal said.
BJP MP Shankar Lalwani echoed similar criticism. He said the Durgapur assault exposed the poor law-and-order situation in the state. “Such incidents keep happening. This shows total failure of governance,” he added.
Amid the uproar, Banerjee defended herself and blamed the media for misquoting her. “The media distorted my words. I was answering a question, and they twisted my statement for politics,” she said in Alipurduar.
Meanwhile, police have arrested three accused in the case and produced them before court. The investigation continues.
The Durgapur case has once again exposed the deep political fault lines in Bengal. As both sides trade accusations, citizens demand accountability and justice for the survivor. The debate now revolves not just around the crime, but also around the mindset shaping the state’s response to women’s safety.
