Sexist Remarks by Minister Stir New Trouble for Mamata Banerjee
BURDWAN: A minister in Bengal has provoked outrage with his comments against women activists of the opposition Left. “They have often torn their own blouse and claimed they were assaulted,” said Swapan Debnath.
Mr Debnath, a senior leader of the state’s ruling Trinamool Congress, was addressing a rally in Burdwan when he said, “We say that a police officer arrests his own son for a promotion. Similarly, we know many women’s wing leaders of CPI-M who used to tear their own blouse and accuse others of molestation.”
As some in the crowd clapped, he went on, “If they have a fight with their husband at home and are attacked, they will frame a Trinamool person for it.”The minister was apparently illustrating how rumours were spread against the Trinamool by opposition parties.
The Left has demanded Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s explanation for her minister’s outrageous comments.”This shows the depth to which the Trinamool has fallen. Instead of arresting the culprits, they defend them. This is what he trains people in his party to do. Why is the Chief Minister silent?” said CPM politburo member Brinda Karat.
