CPI(M) MP Criticizes West Bengal's Aparajita Bill Passed by Mamata Banerjee's Government

CPI(M) MP Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya criticized West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's anti-rape bill, Aparajita, describing it as ineffective and a distraction from genuine issues. Passed by the West Bengal assembly, the bill aims to secure women's dignity in response to a recent tragic crime.

CPI(M) MP and counsel for the RG Kar victim's family, Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, on Wednesday sharply criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's introduction of the anti-rape bill, Aparajita, labeling it "absolutely useless" and accusing it of being more about political confrontation than real solutions.

Bhattacharya claimed the bill was a superficial measure meant to divert public attention. "Legislative power enables the enactment of laws, but this bill is futile. Investigations and trials within limited timeframes are impractical and filled with populistic rhetoric, ultimately benefiting no one," he stated, arguing that the bill serves as ammunition against the central government, likely to be rejected by the President.

Amid unanimous approval by the West Bengal assembly on Tuesday, the Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill, 2024, follows the horrendous rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College. CM Banerjee asserted the bill aims to uphold women's dignity, cautioning about a spillover effect if Bengal is mistreated.

(With inputs from agencies.)