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Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
The rape incident in Kolkata's law college is a dark moment — it should also be a turning point
The alleged gang rape of a 24-year-old law student inside a Kolkata college campus is not merely a tragic anomaly — it is a grim indictment of a state system that increasingly fails to protect the vulnerable, especially women. Allegedly involving a former Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) leader and taking place in the guardroom near the student union office, this act of brutality unfolded in what should have been a space of safety and community. Only months earlier, a postgraduate trainee at R G Kar Medical College was raped and murdered. While the CBI eventually concluded that it was the act of a lone individual, public outrage and the victim's father's remarks revealed a deeper fear: That institutional spaces in West Bengal are becoming dangerously unsafe, and that politics often shields the guilty. One of the most alarming aspects of the law college incident is the alleged involvement of an ex-TMCP leader — a reminder of how political affiliations can enable a sense of impunity. Even as the ruling party publicly condemned the act and sought distance, its silence on the broader issue of student safety and political interference speaks volumes. West Bengal's crime rate against women in 2022 stood at 71.8 per lakh population, significantly higher than the national average of 66.4. Conviction rates remain worryingly low. While Kolkata has been ranked the 'safest city' statistically, Rekha Sharma, then chairperson of the National Commission for Women, rightly pointed out that underreporting and police inaction — due to political pressure — distort the picture. Student union elections — which once served as a training ground for democratic values — have been suspended in most colleges across the state for over a decade. In their absence, political proxies often fill the vacuum. These unelected groups, backed by ruling-party networks, consolidate informal authority without accountability. This dynamic is especially dangerous in institutions of higher learning, where dissent, student safety, and democratic governance are critical. The Calcutta High Court recently directed the state's higher education department to draw up a roadmap for holding these elections, calling out the long-standing statutory failure. Yet without active political will and monitoring, any such roadmap risks remaining on paper. To understand this ecosystem, political theorist Dwaipayan Bhattacharyya's concept of 'franchisee politics' is instructive. According to him, West Bengal's ruling party sustains itself not only through electoral victories but through territorial micro-control by local power brokers. These 'franchisees' operate under the umbrella of 'Brand Mamata,' delivering services, extracting rents, and managing dissent at the grassroots level. Such franchisees often act outside legal frameworks. In many cases, their power depends not just on their proximity to the party, but on their ability to intimidate, suppress opposition, and monopolise resources. Educational institutions, particularly those lacking independent oversight, become easy targets. In recent years, reports have detailed how TMC leaders or affiliates have issued threats, made misogynistic remarks, or enabled intimidation to silence dissent or critics. This culture, especially when allowed to fester in youth politics, sends a clear message: Loyalty is rewarded, while wrongdoing is rarely punished. While much attention is rightly placed on political complicity, it's vital to also view these incidents through a gendered lens. Sexual violence is not only a political failure but a structural outcome of entrenched patriarchy. When male-dominated institutions — whether political, educational, or legal — treat women's bodies as collateral damage in power struggles, violence becomes normalised. Rape is not just an act of lust or anger; it is often an assertion of dominance, enabled by systemic failures and cultural silence. Unless both patriarchy and political capture are addressed together, safety reforms will remain cosmetic. The safety of students — and of women in general — cannot be restored without urgent and tangible reforms. For one, regular student union elections ought to be reinstated across the state and they should be monitored by independent bodies to ensure legitimacy and transparency. Second, the police must be guaranteed autonomy to investigate cases without political interference. There need to be empowered internal complaints committees and crisis cells in all higher educational institutions, staffed by gender-sensitised professionals. There must also be a public commitment to zero tolerance for politically affiliated violence, with action against those who use party connections to intimidate or coerce. Survivors must also be empowered by improving access to legal aid, mental health support, and fast-track courts. The alleged gang rape in Kolkata's law college is a dark moment — but it should also be a turning point. If West Bengal wishes to remain a state that values education, equity, and justice, it must break the grip of informal power networks and reestablish the rule of law within its institutions. Anything less would betray not just the victims, but the future of its youth. The writer is a political anthropologist and teaches at Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Government College, Kolkata.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
BJP women wing holds mock Parl on 50 years of Emergency
1 2 Kanpur: The Bharatiya Janata Party's women's wing in the Kanpur region organised a grand mock Parliament event at the Kanpur University auditorium. The programme began with the lighting of a lamp by the chief guest, Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma, regional president Prakash Pal, minister Rajni Tiwari, and legislator Pratibha Shukla. On this occasion, a special exhibition based on the Emergency was also inaugurated by Rekha Sharma and Prakash Pal. Addressing the inaugural session, they said that on June 25, 1975, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi undermined the Constitution, crippling all major democratic institutions--the legislature, executive, judiciary, and the media. Thousands of opposition leaders were imprisoned under MISA and DIR, and censorship was forcibly imposed on the media. They emphasised the need for women to understand this history and question the moral grounds of those who cite the Constitution today. Prakash Pal questioned whether the Congress still justifies the Emergency or acknowledges it as a violation of the Constitution. As 50 years have passed, the public deserves to know whether Congress leaders will apologise if the Emergency was wrong or explain the rationale behind its imposition. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ai probleme cu picioarele umflate vara? Acești pantofi sunt soluția! Cumpără acum Undo The first session of the mock parliament commenced, with legislator Pratibha Shukla, acting as the prime minister, presenting a proposal stating, "The Emergency was the darkest chapter in Indian democracy and requires serious discussion in the House. " The entire assembly supported the proposal by voice vote. In the role of the opposition leader, Women's Commission member Poonam Dwivedi argued that the Emergency was imposed under Article 352, but political motives were predominant. She questioned the decision's legitimacy and criticised the ruling party sharply. Both sessions of the mock parliament saw intense debates between the ruling and opposition sides. The ruling side included Uttar Pradesh minister Rajni Tiwari, legislators Om Mani Verma, district council president Swapnil Varun, legislators Manisha Anuragi, Poonam Sankhwar, former state vice-president of the women's wing Ranjana Upadhyay, Farrukhabad district council president Monika Yadav, block heads Vijay Ratna Tomar, and Anuradha Awasthi, among others. On the opposition side, Women's Commission members effectively presented their arguments and questioned the ruling party's policies. Throughout the sessions, there were several disruptions, which were managed with restraint and firmness by mayor Pramila Pandey, acting as the speaker in the first session, and legislator Neelima Katiyar in the second session. At one point, the proceedings were adjourned.
India Gazette
25-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Democracy was imprisoned": RS MP Rekha Sharma remembers horrors of Emergency on its 50th anniversary
New Delhi [India], June 25 (ANI): As the Centre marks the 50th anniversary of the Emergency as 'Samvidhan Hatya Divas', Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma on Wednesday said that the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi turned the entire country into a prison in order to save her power. In a post on X, Sharma, who was the former Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, said Democracy was imprisoned, the Constitution was trampled, and millions of patriots were thrown into jails on this day in 1975. 'June 25, 1975. That night, when the soul of India was crushed. Democracy was imprisoned, the Constitution was trampled, and millions of patriots were thrown into jails. In order to save her power, Indira Gandhi turned the entire country into a prison,' she said on X. Remembering the horrors of the emergency, she said, 'This wasn't Emergency. It was tyranny. A dictatorship masked as governance. 50 years on, we remember the horrors, we honour the resistance and we vow NEVER AGAIN.' The Emergency, declared on this day in 1975, remains one of the darkest chapters in India's post-independence history. Fundamental rights were suspended, press freedoms curtailed, and democratic institutions were silenced. In 2024, the Government of India officially notified June 25 as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas to ensure that this critical period is not forgotten and the sanctity of democracy is consistently upheld. The Union Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Delhi government, will commemorate Samvidhan Hatya today at Thyagaraj Stadium, New Delhi, marking 50 years since the imposition of Emergency in India in 1975. The solemn occasion will serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding democratic values and constitutional rights. Union Minister Amit Shah will flag off the 'Long Live Democracy Yatra' by MYBharat volunteers. The Yatra will travel across the country to spread awareness about constitutional values, democratic rights, and the lessons from the Emergency. (ANI)
Indian Express
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Granting daughters a share in property could create a massive social shift: BJP Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma
Rekha Sharma, BJP Rajya Sabha MP and former chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), said apart from a change in mindset among families, women need education, equal employment opportunities, and property rights to change the lives of women in India. In an interview with Sukhbir Siwach, Sharma talks about overcoming the challenges India faces in empowering young girls and women: Rekha Sharma: The Constitution has granted equal rights to women in India, and the government is serious about women-led empowerment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced several schemes for women, including 33 per cent reservation for them in Lok Sabha and the state legislative assemblies. However, the greatest challenge remains the mindset, which begins within families that often discourage women from working. Women have been relegated to caregiving roles, whereas men should share those responsibilities too. When women work outside the home, men should contribute at home. This shift can only come through a change in mindset. Families must recognise equal rights for daughters and provide them with the same opportunities as sons. In the workforce, women are still underrepresented. I raised this concern at a meeting chaired by the Union Finance Minister, who spoke about policy changes aimed at increasing women's workforce participation, including provisions for crèches and maternity benefits. Sharma: Lack of awareness and the misuse of the culture's name as a justification. I once saw a video where a man claimed he had the right to beat his wife, and people in the background were clapping. That applause was even more disturbing than his statement. Their approval reflects how deeply ingrained this mindset is. Until it changes, we cannot consider women truly empowered. Sharma: They're caught between the attraction of Western values and the responsibility to preserve Indian culture. Many are uncertain about which path to follow, largely due to a lack of parental guidance. I believe guidance is essential for both girls and boys until the age of 18. We need to uphold Indian values, but also recognise the strengths of developed countries, such as independence and decision-making skills. Sharma: This is a major issue. Daughters have equal property rights under the law, just like sons, but it must be enforced by families. Too often, property is reserved for sons, and daughters are offered dowries instead. Nearly two-thirds of women work in agriculture, yet the land isn't in their names. Equal property rights would offer women a sense of security. A woman who owns property is less likely to endure domestic violence, because her husband knows she has a place to go. Many women stay in abusive homes simply because they have nowhere else. Granting daughters a share in property could create a massive social shift. Sharma: Education, equal employment opportunities, and property rights. Education is crucial — without it, women won't even be aware of their property rights. It's the foundation for accessing opportunities of any kind. Sharma: They should aim to become financially independent and make their own life decisions. Even if they make mistakes, they'll learn and grow. Life should be lived on one's own terms. Sharma: The BJP supports legal provisions that promote gender equality. Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly spoken in favour of equal property rights for daughters. This is the party's official stance. While daughters automatically inherit ancestral property, in the case of self-earned property, the father must explicitly mention the daughter in his will. Sukhbir Siwach's extensive and in-depth coverage of farmer agitation against three farm laws during 2020-21 drew widespread attention. ... Read More
India Gazette
03-06-2025
- General
- India Gazette
"Lot of positivity towards India...were taken very seriously": All-party delegation member Rekha Sharma after concluding 4-nation visit
New Delhi [India], June 3 (ANI): After concluding their multi-nation tour, BJP MP Rekha Sharma, who was part of the all-party delegation led by Baijayant Panda, said on Tuesday that it was a very good experience and there is a lot of positivity towards India. Speaking to ANI, Sharma said that there is positivity for India as it talks about peace and development, whereas Pakistan always talks about conflict and terrorism. 'It was a very good experience. We visited four countries, and the points raised by our leader, Baijayant Panda, were taken very seriously. The misinformation that Pakistan had spread in those countries, when we countered it with proof, they understood that Pakistan was lying. There is a lot of positivity towards India. From Bahrain to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Algeria, there is a strong positive sentiment about India because India speaks of development and peace. On the other hand, Pakistan always talks about conflict and terrorism,' Rekha Sharma said. 'We had to talk about Operation Sindoor, and we also had to convey that India is no longer weak. If Pakistan attempts something like this again, India will continue with Operation Sindoor, and these actions will persist until Pakistan takes meaningful steps against its terror camps,' she said. Further, the BJP MP asserted that wherever they visited, they received support, and everyone was speaking against terrorism, 'because at some point, these countries too have been victims of terror. They understand what India is going through and they stand with us.' 'Everyone who participated came from different parties and religions, but they all conveyed the same message--that India is united. It's very important to show other countries that India is united, and that whatever decision the government takes, all parties will stand together in support,' Rekha Sharma emphasised. Baijayant Panda-led delegation concluded their four-nation visit and landed in India on Tuesday. Apart from Panda, the delegation included Harsh Vardhan Shringla, BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey, Phangnon Konyak, and Rekha Sharma; AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi; and Satnam Singh Sandhu and Ghulam Nabi Azad. The delegation, during their visit, engaged with leaders in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria, and briefed India's international partners on India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, as well as its broader fight against cross-border terrorism. (ANI)
