Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has spoken out against Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, citing Sandeshkhali’s ongoing issues including land usurpation and sexual violence toward women as a significant downfall for the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Local TMC leaders are faced with troubling allegations, and the situation in the village remains grave with weeks of tension and protests from the victimized women. Accusations by the National Commission for Women, detailing 18 complaints including two of rape, have added to the concern. Union Minister Smriti Irani has also highlighted the plight of Hindu lower caste women reportedly abused by TMC workers, though state police have dismissed a communal link to the violence.
Sandeshkhali’s unrest began surfacing more prominently after the Enforcement Directorate raided TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh’s house. Women bravely brought forward allegations that Sheikh and his associates had been forcefully appropriating their land for prawn cultivation and subjecting them to years of torture and sexual harassment. This spurred the local women into protest and caught the attention of the BJP, prompting a visit to the area. However, the local government’s interference led to more protests and further clashes. As the accusations of land grabbing and sexual assault by TMC workers pile up, TMC MPs have commended the Governor for providing refuge to the afflicted women.
The Calcutta High Court has made strong remarks regarding the situation, pinpointing TMC strongman Sheikh Shahjahan as a prominent cause of the unrest. Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam has emphasized that Shahjahan, currently a fugitive, cannot be allowed to evade the law while creating chaos in the region. Despite prohibitory orders in the area, the High Court has insisted on the need for people to be heard and allowed BJP opposition leaders to visit Sandeshkhali.