Kolkata, March 8: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the central government on Sunday regarding the recent increase in domestic cooking gas (LPG) prices. She accused the government of exacerbating the economic burden on the common people due to its policies.
Banerjee stated that the policies of the central government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have proven to be more of a nuisance than a relief for the public. She remarked, “We always try to stand with the people at every level. On the other hand, the central government and the BJP are only focused on troubling the citizens. The way petrol and LPG Prices have been raised will certainly impact the lives of ordinary people.”
In response to the rising prices, she announced that women across the state would take to the streets to protest. As a symbol of their dissent, women in West Bengal would wear black sarees during the demonstrations.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Chief Minister emphasized that every day of the year is akin to Women’s Day for her. She shared a message on social media stating, “A society where girls do not thrive can never prosper. Therefore, the West Bengal government has initiated several unprecedented programs from the beginning to empower women in every sphere of life.”
Banerjee highlighted various welfare and support schemes specifically aimed at women that have been implemented during the Trinamool Congress‘s (TMC) governance over the past 15 years. She claimed that the state government has rolled out numerous initiatives for women’s education, economic empowerment, and social security, benefiting millions of women.
She also asserted that West Bengal’s status regarding women’s safety is better compared to other states in the country. Banerjee noted that the central government has acknowledged Kolkata as one of the safest cities in India. To further enhance women’s safety, the Kolkata Police recently launched “Pink Booths” and fully women-operated “Shining” mobile services aimed at making women feel more secure, especially at night.
However, the BJP’s West Bengal unit leaders responded sharply to the Chief Minister’s claims. They argued that the reality of women’s safety in the state contradicts Banerjee’s assertions, citing daily reports of heinous crimes such as rape and murder. They alleged that many of these cases are linked to individuals associated with the ruling Trinamool Congress.
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