NCW Chair Rekha Sharma’s Meeting with President Murmu
In response to the violence in Sandeshkhali, National Commission for Women (NCW) chair Rekha Sharma met with President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday and suggested President’s Rule in West Bengal. In response to reports of severe violence and intimidation against women in the area, an NCW team recently visited the unrest-plagued Sandeshkhali village. Many women accused local Trinamool Congress leaders—including Shajahan Sheikh, who was on the run following the attack on Enforcement Directorate officials on January 5—of sexual harassment and land grabbing.
Calls for CBI Probe and Presidential Intervention
The West Bengal Police’s investigation into the attack on ED officers in Sandeshkhali was transferred to the CBI on Tuesday by the Calcutta high court, which declared that the state police were “totally biased.” The court further ordered that Shajahan Sheikh, who was taken into custody by the central agency on February 29 after being apprehended by the West Bengal police in relation to the incident, be released from their custody. Following their discussion, Rekha Sharma told PTI that NCW advised President Droupadi Murmu to impose President’s rule in the state. Sharma claimed that the President informed her that she is aware of the condition of affairs and is keeping a careful eye on it.
Previous Proposals and Ongoing Concerns
The state administered by the TMC had previously been proposed to be governed by the President by the National Commission for Scheduled Caste (NCSC). In the past, President rule in the TMC-ruled State had also been suggested by the National Commission for Scheduled Caste (NCSC). After meeting with the President, Sharma told PTI that the situation in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, remains extremely severe.
Rekha Sharma’s Response to Criticism
NCW leader Rekha Sharma objected to Udit Raj’s comments in which he called President Droupadi Murmu “chamchagiri” for her recent visit to the state and her admiration of Gujarat.
Unsettling Testimonials of Systematic Abuse and Fear
Unsettling testimonials from women who claimed pervasive fear and systematic abuse by police officers and members of the ruling TMC were highlighted in a fact-finding report compiled by the NCW. Sandeshkhali event is not unique. In the past, the state administration has received several reports of violent occurrences but has not responded. Therefore, following their discussion, Rekha Sharma told PTI that NCW advised President Droupadi Murmu to impose President’s rule in the state. Sharma claimed that the President informed her that she is aware of the condition of affairs and is keeping a careful eye on it.
Presidential Awareness and Vigilance
According to Ms. Sharma, the President informed her that she is aware of the State’s position and is keeping a careful eye on it.
Recommendations for State Intervention
“The occurrence at Sandeshkhali is not unique. In the past, the state administration has received several reports of violent occurrences but has not responded. Therefore, NCW suggested to President Droupadi Murmu that the state implement President’s rule,” the speaker stated.