Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited Sandeshkhali, her first trip to the region since the massive and violent protests, erupted over allegations of sexual harassment against local TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates.
Addressing the gathering, Mamata said that everyone should ‘peacefully’.
“Lots of money has been given by the BJP for spreading lies. Later the truth came out. No one should go if any naughty people call you. You have the right not to go. Don’t give money to anyone for availing government schemes. It is the government who pays for the schemes for the welfare of the common people,” said Mamata while inaugurating a few welfare schemes.
Notably, Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas was in the headlines since January 5, after the supporters of the then Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan had beaten up Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials when they raided Shahjahan’s residence.
After this incident the women of Sandeshkhali started agitating claiming that Shahjahan Sheikh and his associates allegedly sexually assaulted women and grabbed their lands forcibly.
Incidentally, following the agitation, TMC had suspended Sheikh Shahjahan, and his two aides Shibu Prasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar.
“If anything happens in Sandeshkhali I will get to know about the information immediately. I am all of your ‘Paharadar’, and stay awake for your protection. Women are the head of the family. I want to make ‘sandesh hub’ in sandeshkhali and sandeshkhali is as sweet as Sandesh (sweet). Whatever has happened has happened. I have forgotten everything,” further added Mamata.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari is also likely to visit Sandeshkhali on December 31. “When the incident was happening, she didn’t go to Sandeshkhali,” mentioned Adhikari.
Political analyst Biswanath Chakraborty also questioned why the Chief Minister visited Sandeshkhali after almost a year. “By mentioning naughty people, the Chief Minister basically hinted towards the opposition parties,” said Chakraborty.
Sudeshna Das, a local resident said, “When we were in need she didn’t come here. Now she is coming for an administrative meeting.”
Another resident Naren Giri mentioned, “We got back our lands but it is not fit for agriculture. Saline water had seeped into the land. The administration said that they will look into the matter but nothing has happened. It has been almost one year.”
