by Irfan Iqbal Gheta
West Bengal’s capital, Kolkata, is once again in the news—and once again, for all the wrong reasons. The Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) government is drawing heavy flak, not only for the crime itself but more so for the irresponsible and misogynistic statements made by its own leaders. “Didi”—as Mamata Banerjee is fondly called—is expected to rein in the motormouths within her party ranks.
Last Wednesday, Kolkata witnessed an alleged heinous crime. A 24-year-old law student from a city-based law college was reportedly sexually assaulted. In a rare instance of swift action, Kolkata Police arrested four accused soon after the incident came to light.
However, even before the public could fully process the horror of the crime, some leaders from the ruling party grabbed the limelight for all the wrong reasons. Their controversial, regressive, and misogynistic remarks have rightfully drawn nationwide outrage.
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee shocked the nation on Friday by stating—according to reports across national dailies—that police cannot be deployed in every college, and that male students should protect “their female colleagues.” The Honourable MP further said that women should also stand up against such crimes.
If that wasn’t enough, came another appalling remark—this time from Madan Mitra, TMC MLA from Kamarhati. In a statement that can only be described as victim-blaming, he suggested the incident could have been avoided had the victim not gone alone or taken friends along. According to him, informing someone or being accompanied by two friends might have prevented the crime.
These statements were not just insensitive—they were insulting. They undermined the pain of the survivor and attempted to shift the blame from the perpetrators to the victim. The nation expected outrage and solidarity from its elected representatives; instead, it got regressive advice and thinly veiled justifications.
Facing intense backlash, the TMC quickly issued an “official statement” distancing itself from the remarks. It termed the comments as “personal opinions” of the leaders and not reflective of the party’s stance. But by then, the damage had already been done. The words had been spoken. The wound was inflicted.
The larger question is: Why does this happen every time a heinous crime of this nature occurs? Why do political leaders, across party lines, make remarks that are not only in poor taste but often shame the victim?
We’ve seen this pattern too many times. Each incident of sexual assault triggers three predictable reactions.
First, the national conversation around “women are unsafe everywhere” gains fresh traction. While this debate is necessary, it often fades out without producing any concrete solutions. The truth is, it is men’s responsibility to ensure that women feel safe—at home, in public spaces, and everywhere in between. Our society cannot progress unless women feel secure, empowered, and respected.
Second, the political blame game begins. Opposition parties slam the ruling party, highlighting the failing law and order situation. Politicians parade before the media, expressing scripted outrage, while little changes on the ground.
And third, some politicians—either out of ignorance or callousness—shame the victim, delivering unsolicited lectures that fuel public anger and cause further trauma to the survivor.
Meanwhile, ordinary citizens grow restless and impatient. Many call for “instant justice” through encounters, demanding that the police shoot down the accused. The chorus for vigilante-style punishment keeps getting louder. But is this the solution?
We must ask ourselves: Will crime against women stop just because politicians speak nonsense on television? Will it vanish if police officers resort to extra-judicial killings? Will fear of a bullet become the only deterrent?
What we truly need is to build a society that respects women—consistently, not just in reaction to a tragedy. We must respond to survivors with empathy, dignity, and action—not empty rhetoric. And above all, we must stop using these horrific incidents for political one-upmanship or media mileage.
Enough is enough. It’s time to stop the rot, not just in our streets, but in our mindsets.
