Tone match in letter lifts spirits: Similar message from CM, Abhishek relief for TMC

 The CM’s letter drew attention as its content has a resemblance to an earlier post on X by Abhishek, the national general secretary of the Trinamul Congress, on the same issue

Pranesh Sarkar, Snehamoy Chakraborty, TT, Calcutta, 23.08.24 : Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to initiate steps to prevent the increasing number of crimes against women by introducing stringent central legislation, a demand that shares similarity in tone with a post by party number two Abhishek Banerjee.

The CM’s letter drew attention as its content has a resemblance to an earlier post on X by Abhishek, the national general secretary of the Trinamul Congress, on the same issue.

“I wish to bring to your kind attention the regular and increasing occurrence of rape cases throughout the country and in many cases, rapes with murder are committed. According to the available data, it is horrifying to see that almost 90 cases of rapes occur daily throughout the country,” the chief minister wrote in her letter that was also posted on X.

“Such serious and sensitive issues need to be addressed in a comprehensive manner through stringent central legislation prescribing exemplary punishment against the persons involved in such dastardly crimes,” the letter reads.

The chief minister also suggested incorporating a series of measures that include setting up fast-track special courts for speedy trial within 15 days in the proposed central legislation that could help prevent crimes against women.

Before the chief minister’s letter, Abhishek also demanded a comprehensive anti-rape law that would ensure swift justice.

“Over the past 10 days, while the nation has been protesting against the #RGKarMedicalcollege incident and demanding justice, 900 rapes have occurred across different parts of India... Sadly, a lasting solution still remains largely undiscussed,” posted Abhishek, breaking his silence after a week on the issue.

“With 90 rapes reported daily, 4 every hour and 1 every 15 minutes — the urgency for a decisive action is clear... State governments must act and urgently push the Union for a comprehensive anti-rape law that ensures swift and strict justice,” the post read.

As the content of the CM’s letter and Abhishek’s post was on the same lines, several Trinamool Congress leaders heaved a sigh of relief as it indicated that the party’s top two were on the same page.

“He (Abhishek) was not happy with the various steps taken by the state government since the incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital occurred. From day one, he has been vocal about the need for larger reforms for speedy justice for rape victims and stringent punishment for those accused of such crimes. This is the first time Didi seems to have aligned with AB on the issue. This is good for us,” said a source.

Party insiders said Abhishek was unhappy with the state government’s decisions such as reinstating Sandip Ghosh, the then principal of RG Kar to National Medical College and Hospital soon after his removal. “Abhishek also wants the state government to break free from the shackles of the existing ‘laggard system’ that is not helping the cause, especially at a time when both the party and the state are under fire,” a source close to Abhishek said.