Kolkata, Sept 3 — West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the chief ministers of states that have failed to implement effective measures to protect women.
In a statement delivered in the state assembly on Tuesday, Banerjee introduced the Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024. This legislation aims to ensure prompt investigations, expedite justice delivery, and impose stricter punishments for perpetrators of crimes against women.
“Rape is a blight on humanity, and it is essential to undertake social reforms to prevent such crimes,” Banerjee remarked. She emphasized that the proposed Bill would establish a specialized Aparajita Task Force within the police to ensure timely completion of investigations.
Describing the Bill as “historic and a model for other states,” Banerjee asserted that the new legislation seeks to address gaps in central laws and facilitate swift and effective justice for victims and their families.
In response to BJP MLAs’ protests and calls for her resignation, Banerjee challenged them by asking, “What if I raised slogans against the Prime Minister and the Home Minister for the same reasons you are protesting against me?”
Banerjee criticized states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat for their high crime rates against women, contrasting them with West Bengal’s efforts to deliver justice to tortured women. She also accused the central government of not consulting West Bengal before passing certain bills.
She urged the Opposition to request the governor’s prompt approval of the Bill, stressing that it is the state government’s responsibility to ensure its effective implementation. Regarding the recent rape and murder of an RG Kar medic, Banerjee called for justice from the CBI and demanded the death penalty for the guilty.
The Bill was passed unanimously in the assembly, despite some disruption during the session.
