Sat Jun 28 18:32:33 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Following the alleged rape of a law student in Kolkata, two Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders, MLA Madan Mitra and MP Kalyan Banerjee, made controversial statements seemingly downplaying the crime and, in Mitra’s case, implying the victim was partially responsible. These remarks sparked outrage and condemnation from the opposition BJP, which accused the TMC of victim-blaming. The TMC has distanced itself from the statements, asserting zero tolerance for crimes against women. The incident has exposed divisions within the TMC, with MP Mahua Moitra condemning the misogyny and MP Kalyan Banerjee doubling down while suggesting that the party is protecting criminals.
**News Article:**
**TMC Leaders’ Remarks Spark Outrage in Kolkata Rape Case**
**Kolkata, India** – Controversy has erupted after two Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders made insensitive remarks following the alleged rape of a 24-year-old law student in Kolkata.
MLA Madan Mitra stated that the incident wouldn’t have happened if the victim hadn’t been at the scene, prompting accusations of victim-blaming. MP Kalyan Banerjee appeared to downplay the severity of the crime, asking “What can be done if a friend rapes his friend?”
The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accuses the TMC of attempting to assassinate the victim’s character. BJP Spokesperson Priyanka Tibrewal said, “Since the main accused is a Trinamool leader, they will try to character assassinate the survivor. They will ask why she was there at odd hours, why she went alone, why she trusted her friends.”
The TMC has issued a statement disassociating itself from the comments, emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy for crimes against women and demanding the strictest punishment for those involved. MP Mahua Moitra condemned the misogyny, highlighting the party’s commitment to condemning such statements regardless of who makes them.
Adding to the internal strife, MP Kalyan Banerjee has defended his statements and attacked his own party, suggesting that it is protecting criminals. “Are they indirectly supporting the leaders who are shielding these criminals? Mere academic statements won’t bring any real change unless immediate action is taken against those leaders directly responsible,” Banerjee said.
The accused in the case, Monojit Mishra, is a former student of the South Calcutta Law College, where the incident allegedly occurred. He and three other individuals have been arrested. The BJP has shared photos allegedly linking Mishra to senior TMC leaders, further fueling the political firestorm.
The incident has ignited a wider debate about misogyny in Indian politics and exposed deep divisions within the TMC.
First Piper 