West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called for the resignations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the chief ministers of BJP-ruled states due to their failure to implement strong anti-rape laws. Addressing the assembly on Tuesday, Banerjee introduced the Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024. She emphasized that the Bill is designed to ensure faster investigations, quicker justice, and tougher punishments for perpetrators.

"Rape is a grave injustice against humanity, and it requires significant social reforms to combat," Banerjee stated.

She promised that if the Bill is passed, a special Aparajita Task Force will be established within the police to ensure investigations are completed promptly. Banerjee described the Bill as "historic and a model for other states," highlighting its aim to address the shortcomings of central laws in delivering swift and effective justice to victims.

In response to BJP MLAs who were chanting for her resignation, Banerjee countered, "What if I demanded the resignation of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister for the same reasons?"

Banerjee criticized states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat for their high rates of crimes against women, contrasting them with West Bengal, where she claims women who have suffered violence are receiving justice in courts.

She also expressed discontent that West Bengal was not consulted before the passing of the BNS legislation. "We wanted discussions on it after the new government at the Centre was formed," she added.

Banerjee urged the Opposition to push the governor to sign the Bill without delay and emphasized that it would be the state government’s duty to ensure its effective implementation. She also called for justice from the CBI and capital punishment for the culprits in the rape and murder of the RG Kar medical student, expressing her deep sorrow over the crime.

The Bill was ultimately passed unanimously, despite some disorderly scenes in the assembly.

West Bengal's Anti-Rape Bill: What Are the Key Provisions That Could Change Legal History?

\West Bengal Govt to Table Strict Anti-Rape Bill in Assembly Today

Mamata Banerjee Calls for Stricter Anti-Rape Laws in West Bengal