Scuffle Breaks Out between Protesting BJP Leaders, Police in WB
The recent controversy surrounding the West Bengal government’s decision to allow women to work in bars has taken a violent turn, with a scuffle breaking out between protesting BJP leaders and police in Kolkata on Saturday. The BJP has been vehemently opposing the move, calling it a “threat to women’s dignity” and “an attempt to objectify them”.
The protest, which was led by BJP leader Roopa Ganguly, saw a large number of party workers and leaders gathered outside the Assembly building in Kolkata. The protesters were holding placards and banners, with slogans like “No to women in bars” and “Save our daughters”. The police, however, were deployed in large numbers to maintain law and order, and a tense standoff ensued.
According to eyewitnesses, the situation turned violent when the police tried to disperse the protesters, leading to a scuffle between the two sides. The protesters claimed that they were brutally beaten by the police, while the police alleged that they were attacked by the protesters.
Roopa Ganguly, the BJP leader who led the protest, was seen addressing the crowd, her voice filled with emotion. “Few days ago, [CM Mamata Banerjee] said that women shouldn’t go out at night, but now she’s allowing them to work in bars,” she said. “What kind of future is she creating for the women?”
Ganguly’s remarks were met with loud cheers and applause from the crowd. She went on to say that the Bill was an attempt to “objectify women” and that it would lead to a “morally corrupt society”. “We will not let this happen,” she vowed.
The BJP has been at odds with the West Bengal government over the issue, with party leaders repeatedly criticizing the decision. The party’s state president, Dilip Ghosh, had earlier said that the move would “promote prostitution and crime”.
The government, however, has defended the decision, saying that it is aimed at promoting women’s empowerment and providing them with equal opportunities. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also been quoted as saying that the Bill will help reduce unemployment among women.
The controversy has sparked a heated debate in the state, with many women’s organizations and activists supporting the government’s decision. However, the BJP and other opposition parties have continued to oppose the move, citing concerns about women’s dignity and safety.
The scuffle between the police and BJP leaders on Saturday is the latest escalation in the controversy. The incident has raised concerns about the use of force by the police and the BJP’s tactics to disrupt the government’s functioning.
In a statement, the police said that they had used minimum force to disperse the protesters, who had refused to obey the orders to vacate the area. The BJP, however, has accused the police of using brutal force against peaceful protesters.
The controversy is likely to continue in the coming days, with both sides dug in their positions. The outcome of the dispute will have significant implications for the state’s women and the future of the government’s policies.
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the debate over women’s empowerment and dignity is far from over in West Bengal.
