Thu Nov 07 21:07:41 UTC 2024: ## West Bengal Minister Sparks Outrage with Sexist Remarks Against BJP Candidate
**Kolkata, West Bengal (November 8, 2024):** West Bengal Minister Firhad Hakim has drawn widespread condemnation for his derogatory remarks against BJP candidate Rekha Patra, sparking a political row.
Hakim, a Trinamool Congress MLA and Kolkata Mayor, referred to Patra as a “loser” and “maal” (a slang term for a woman) at a public rally in Sandeshkhali. He also criticized the BJP for fielding Patra, who is from the Scheduled Caste community, and accused the party of using women for political gain.
His comments have been met with strong disapproval from the BJP, with state leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari demanding legal action against Hakim. “Women should understand whether they will submit to freebies and handouts given by Trinamool or they will measure the gravity of the R.G. Kar incident,” Adhikari stated, referencing a recent incident involving alleged sexual harassment at a state-run hospital.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo moto cognizance of the incident, issuing a directive to the West Bengal Chief Secretary and DGP to initiate an investigation and provide a detailed report within three days. The NCW has condemned Hakim’s remarks as “derogatory” and called for invoking relevant legal provisions.
The BJP has also filed a complaint with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes regarding Hakim’s remarks against Patra.
The incident has further escalated tensions between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP in West Bengal, particularly in the lead-up to the upcoming elections.
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