BJP, TMC Seek “Stree” Applause in West Bengal: Sandeshkhali’s Rekha in Controversy over Ghosh’s Remark on Didi

50% of West Bengal’s 3.73 crore voters in the Lok Sabha elections are female. It follows that the efforts of all political parties to court female voters are not surprising, whether it is the BJP’s (Bharatiya Janata Party) ticket for Sandeshkhali victim Rekha Patra, the action taken against Dilip Ghosh for remarks he made about chief minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mamata Banerjee, or the TMC’s women’s programs and outcry against Ghosh’s remarks.

THE BASIRHAT IMPROVE
From Basirhat, Rekha Patra has been fielded by the BJP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally contacted her to give her more confidence. “Women from Sandeshkhali are sending their blessings to the PM, who is like God to them,” Patra informed Modi during the conversation.

“Maata aur behenon ka hath mere sar pe hain (mother and sisters’ blessings are with me),” said the prime minister, in contrast.

The discussion as a whole offers Bengali women confidence and encouragement. Although the PM conversed with Rekha, he made contact with all the ladies via her. This is Modi’s assurance, a top BJP official told News18.

Local TMC officials in Sandeshkhali were accused of sexual assault and land grabbing. According to experts, the appeal was part of the BJP’s pledge to support women. “Voting for the BJP is important because there are a lot of Shahjahan Sheikhs (the accused in the Sandeshkhali case) and women are not safe.” said the leader.

WOMEN AND MAMATA VOTERS
According to figures from the Election Commission of India (ECI), there are 968 female voters in West Bengal for every 1,000 male voters. Out of the 42 seats in 2019, female voter participation was greater than male turnout in 17. Surveys indicate that female voters helped Banerjee win in 2021, which is why Sandeshkhali is even more crucial for the BJP.

Women see Banerjee’s ascent to the position of Chief Minister as encouraging as a woman leader. Additionally, she has started welfare programs including “Kanyasri,” which provides stipends for female students, “Rupashree,” which provides funds for weddings, and “Lokhi Bhandar,” which provides monthly stipends for women (now Rs 1,000 instead of Rs 500).

Although Banerjee benefited from these endeavors, Sandeshkhali did a great deal of harm. On the other hand, the TMC could benefit somewhat from BJP leader Dilip Ghosh’s recent remarks.

GHOSH’S Observation
The TMC is furious because Ghosh recently said something that seemed to cast doubt on Banerjee’s origins.

“When Didi goes to Goa, she claims to be the daughter of Goa,” he said. She claims to be Tripura’s daughter when she visits the city. She ought to choose her father.This is incorrect.

The TMC has responded angrily, complaining to the EC, and a delegation of ten people is scheduled to meet with the poll authority.

The TMC made an assault. “The PM’s conversation with Rekha Patra is fantastic, but what about her remarks regarding Mamata Banerjee?” Didi is Shakti Swaroopa as well. What is the BJP’s position on the matter?

The party has written Ghosh a warning in addition to denouncing his comment. “I will reply to my party,” Ghosh said. I have no ill will towards Mamata Banerjee. I apologize if anything I said offended you or if you believe it was unlawful. They constantly try to play the woman. I objected because she causes uncertainty. Additionally, the TMC has made offensive remarks on the father of our leader, Suvendhu Adhikary. Did they offer an apology for it?

According to experts, Banerjee represents women’s power in Bengal; thus, disparaging her will have consequences. Even with a female CM, an occurrence such as Sandeshkhali may not go unreported in the meantime.

Based on patterns over the last 56 years, it seems that women are choosing how their families vote. It remains to be seen which party will make a successful effort this time.