TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee Sparks Outrage Over Kolkata Rape Case Remarks

TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee has sparked significant outrage over his comments regarding the recent alleged rape case involving a law student at South Calcutta Law College in Kolkata. Speaking to the media, Banerjee remarked that while only a few men commit such crimes, he questioned what could be done if a friend assaults another friend. His comments have drawn sharp criticism and ignited a political firestorm.

Banerjee clarified he was not personally advocating for the accused but said the individual should be arrested. He framed the incident as something that occurred between students, asking rhetorically what steps can be taken if such a crime happens between friends. “This took place among students. It’s a government college. Will the police be posted in every school or college?” he asked, highlighting what he sees as the practical limitations of policing campuses.

His remarks, seen by many as minimizing the severity of the crime, were quickly condemned by the opposition. The BJP accused him of showing sympathy toward the accused and using the victim’s trauma to dismiss broader concerns about women’s safety. In a statement on X, the BJP said Banerjee’s attitude reflects a pattern of the TMC downplaying crimes against women and accused him of calling women’s safety concerns a “political agenda.”

Referring to another incident at RG Kar Medical College, the BJP criticized Banerjee for allegedly mocking public protests such as the “Raat Jago” movement, which had emerged in response to similar crimes. The party questioned the priorities of the West Bengal Police, suggesting they were more focused on protecting TMC leaders than ensuring the safety of women in the state.

BJP’s IT cell head Amit Malviya also denounced Banerjee, accusing him of crossing all boundaries of decency. He criticized the MP for calling the accused “classmates” and implied that such framing normalizes violence among peers. Malviya argued that under Mamata Banerjee's leadership, law and order in Bengal have deteriorated and that statements like these show the ruling party’s lack of seriousness about women’s safety.

As public anger mounts, the controversy has further intensified the political debate around law enforcement, gender safety, and accountability in West Bengal.