Kolkata
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) said on Friday it plans to file a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) against Rekha Sharma, the chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), accusing her of misusing her position in connection with the Sandeshkhali issue. The party alleges that local BJP leaders tricked women into signing sexual assault complaints against TMC members.
NCW had recommended President’s rule in West Bengal after reports of violence and abuse against women in Sandeshkhali. West Bengal minister and TMC spokesperson Shashi Panja accused Sharma of acting with political bias and encouraging women to make false allegations. TMC shared videos of Sandeshkhali women saying they were tricked by a BJP leader, Piyali Das, into signing blank papers, which were later turned into sexual assault complaints.
The women said they were asked to meet with the NCW team investigating the issue but were unaware their signatures would be used for such allegations. Further videos showed women wanting to withdraw the complaints, claiming they were coerced by BJP threats and offers of money.
TMC alleges that BJP is fabricating the Sandeshkhali story to gain political advantage. They demand that BJP leader Amit Shah, who is visiting West Bengal for election campaigns, clarify the party’s stance and apologize. BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari denies the allegations, saying the videos are fake, and he plans to take legal action.
