Anurag Thakur Criticizes Women's Safety in West Bengal, Launches BJP Membership Drive in Himachal

Former Union Minister Anurag Thakur launched the BJP's new membership campaign in Himachal Pradesh while criticizing the West Bengal government over women's safety. He emphasized the need for timely justice and highlighted issues with the current Himachal government. Thakur aims to recruit 16 lakh new BJP members, focusing on youth and women's reservation.

Former Union Minister and Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur on Wednesday criticized the West Bengal government's handling of women's safety under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee while launching the BJP's new membership campaign in Himachal Pradesh. "If a state's chief minister is a woman, yet women are not safe, it reflects the state's poor condition," Thakur said, calling it a significant misfortune when women must protest for justice.

Thakur's remarks came in the wake of recent reports of violence against women in West Bengal. He lamented the slow response from authorities and criticized the incidents causing national shame. "It is sad that the whole country is feeling ashamed of the incidents that are continuously happening in Bengal," he said.

Citing the death of a trainee doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Thakur emphasized the need for timely action to ensure justice. "Timely action against perpetrators is lacking, which prevents victims from getting justice while laws against such crimes need strict enforcement," he noted. Thakur also initiated the BJP membership drive in Himachal Pradesh, aiming for 16 lakh new members.

Rajesh Thakur, in charge of the campaign, handled registrations. New members who signed up using Thakur's referral code received a neem plant. "The party aims to have 200 members from each booth," Thakur announced, stressing the need to focus on areas where the party is weak and recruit more young members. Steps towards 33 per cent reservation for women will be a key focus, he added.

Additionally, Thakur criticized the current Himachal Pradesh state government for delayed salary and pension payments. "There has never been such a day in Himachal's history when, even after four days of the month, lakhs of employees and pensioners have not received salary and pension," Thakur said, accusing the state government of mismanagement and appointing unqualified individuals to key positions.

(With inputs from agencies.)