Kolkata: The tragic rape and murder of a medical student in Kolkata has sparked widespread outrage across India. Y.S. Sharmila, the Congress President of Andhra Pradesh, has made a strong statement condemning the handling of the case by the local authorities and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government.
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Sharmila described the incident as a "deep scar on humanity" and "an act of abominable barbarism." She expressed profound grief and distress, stating that, "As a woman, this has shattered me and left me sleepless. As a mother, this fills me with a deep sense of fear and restlessness."
Despite being part of the I.N.D.I.A coalition with the TMC, Sharmila did not hold back in her criticism of the party. She denounced the current handling of the case as "disgusting and infuriating," drawing parallels with previous high-profile rape cases, such as Hathras, which had previously stirred national outrage under the NDA government.
Sharmila accused both the central and TMC governments of delaying justice in the Kolkata case. She urged both administrations to focus on human values rather than political games. "The Congress party demands that the central and TMC governments stop exchanging political salvos and playing petty games. They must respond as humans first and ensure justice for the victim," she asserted. She also reminded the public of the UPA government's efforts to enhance women's safety.
Her comments have stirred political discussions, marking a direct critique of the TMC, despite the coalition's alignment with Congress. This critique comes amid similar sentiments from other Congress leaders, including Supriya Shrinate, who questioned the government's handling of the crime, and Pawan Khera, who emphasized the need to address the victim’s family's grievances.
Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also weighed in, questioning the local administration's focus on protecting the accused rather than delivering justice to the victim.
Political analysts suggest that Sharmila’s comments represent a strategic move by Congress to distance itself from the TMC on this sensitive issue, thereby avoiding criticism from opposition parties like the BJP.
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