BJP Claims WB Minister Called Law Student’s Gang-Rape “Small Incident”, He Denies
In a shocking turn of events, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused West Bengal Irrigation Minister Manas Bhunia of downplaying the gang-rape of a Kolkata law student, terming it a “small incident”. The minister has strongly denied the allegations, claiming that his previous comments were taken out of context and misrepresented to tarnish his image.
The controversy began when Amit Malviya, the BJP’s national spokesperson, tweeted on Tuesday that Bhunia had described the gang-rape as a “small incident”. Malviya shared a video clip of Bhunia speaking to a local television channel, where the minister allegedly made the comments.
“West Bengal Irrigation Minister Manas Bhunia’s shocking statement on the gang-rape of a law student in Kasba, Kolkata. He calls it a ‘small incident’! Is this the kind of politics the TMC is indulging in? #TMC #WestBengal #GangRape”, Malviya tweeted, along with a screenshot of the video.
Bhunia, however, has categorically denied making any such statement. In a statement, he clarified that his previous comments were not related to the Kasba incident, which has sparked widespread outrage and protests across the state.
“My previous comments were not related to the Kasba incident…They’ve been misrepresented and linked to the unfortunate incident in an attempt to malign and defame me”, Bhunia said.
The Kasba incident, which occurred on October 13, has sent shockwaves across the country. The 20-year-old law student was allegedly gang-raped by a group of men in a deserted area near her hostel. The police have since arrested five suspects in connection with the case.
The BJP’s move to target Bhunia comes as a surprise, given that the party has been vocal in its criticism of the TMC government’s handling of the incident. However, many have questioned the timing and motive behind the BJP’s sudden interest in the case.
Critics have pointed out that the BJP has a history of using controversial issues to garner attention and polarize society. The party has been accused of using divisive rhetoric and making provocative statements to fuel communal tensions and garner votes.
In this case, the BJP’s move to target Bhunia may be seen as an attempt to divert attention from its own failures and scandals. The party has been facing criticism over its handling of various issues, including the recent controversy surrounding its national president, J.P. Nadda, who was accused of making a controversial statement on the Babri Masjid demolition.
The TMC, meanwhile, has come out strongly in support of Bhunia, accusing the BJP of trying to politicize the Kasba incident. Party leaders have demanded an apology from the BJP for “misrepresenting” Bhunia’s comments and trying to tarnish his reputation.
“This is a desperate attempt by the BJP to deflect attention from its own failures and scandals. Bhunia has categorically denied making any such statement, and we demand an apology from the BJP for misrepresenting his comments”, said a TMC spokesperson.
The controversy has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many calling for a thorough investigation into Bhunia’s comments and the BJP’s motives. Others have accused the party of trying to use the Kasba incident to further its political agenda.
As the controversy continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the Kasba incident has brought attention to the need for greater awareness and action on issues related to women’s safety and sexual violence. It is imperative that all political parties and leaders refrain from using such incidents to score political points and instead work towards creating a society that is safe and respectful for all.
Source: https://x.com/amitmalviya/status/1939994137090036093
