Why is the BJP Questioning NCRB Data that Names Kolkata the Safest City?
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Synopsis
In a heated exchange, the Opposition rebuts the BJP's skepticism of the NCRB’s report naming Kolkata the safest city in India. Highlighting the implications of the report and the BJP's internal conflicts, this article delves into the issues surrounding women's safety and crime rates in the country, prompting a deeper discussion on governance and accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Kolkata retains its title as India's safest city for 2023.
- The NCRB report shows a decrease in crime rates over recent years.
- The BJP's doubts about the data raise questions about internal party trust.
- Women's safety remains a critical issue across various states.
- Political accountability is essential for improving public safety.
New Delhi, Oct 5 (NationPress) In response to the BJP's skepticism regarding the National Crime Records Bureau's (NCRB) 2023 report that declared Kolkata as the safest city in India, the Opposition issued a strong rebuttal on Sunday. They highlighted that the NCRB operates under the Union Home Ministry, led by BJP figure Amit Shah, which raises questions about the party's trust in its own government data.
The NCRB report indicates that Kolkata has successfully maintained its title as the safest city for the fourth year in a row, witnessing only 83.9 cognizable offenses per lakh population in 2023, the lowest among 19 Indian cities with populations exceeding 20 lakh.
In contrast, the average crime rate for these cities was noted at 828 per lakh. The data further shows a consistent drop in Kolkata's crime rates over the last two years, reducing from 103.5 in 2021 to 86.5 in 2022.
Despite the findings, the BJP dismissed the report, accusing the West Bengal Police of downplaying crime statistics to present the state in a better light.
Responding to these allegations, Shiv Sena(UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi remarked to IANS, "The issue with the BJP is that in states where they hold power, they fail to guarantee safety, particularly for women. The situation regarding women's security has deteriorated in states like Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh."
She suggested that BJP-ruled states should implement similar strategies as employed in Bengal to mitigate crime rates.
"Instead of acknowledging West Bengal's safety for women, they cast doubts on it. If BJP administrations mirrored the approaches taken in Bengal, perhaps their cities would also become safer for women. It's essential for political parties to prioritize safety over politics," she added.
Uttar Pradesh Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput also criticized the BJP's stance.
Speaking with IANS, he stated, "If the BJP harbors doubts, they should direct these inquiries to the Home Ministry and ask Amit Shah directly. The NCRB is under Amit Shah's jurisdiction, indicating that BJP leaders might not trust him, highlighting a potential internal rift within the party. There seems to be dissatisfaction with PM Modi's leadership."
Point of View
It is crucial to maintain an unbiased stance while addressing the concerns surrounding crime and safety in India. The NCRB's data should serve as a basis for constructive dialogue rather than political dispute. The focus should remain on improving safety measures across all states to ensure the well-being of citizens, particularly vulnerable groups such as women.
NationPress
06/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the NCRB report say about Kolkata?
The NCRB report indicates that Kolkata is the safest city in India for the fourth consecutive year, with the lowest crime rate among major cities.
Why is the BJP questioning the NCRB data?
The BJP has raised concerns that the data may not accurately reflect the situation, alleging that West Bengal Police may have under-reported crime statistics.
What is the Opposition's stance on the BJP's claims?
The Opposition argues that the BJP is undermining its own government’s data and should focus on improving safety in BJP-ruled states.
How does the crime rate in Kolkata compare to other cities?
Kolkata recorded 83.9 cognizable offenses per lakh population, significantly lower than the average rate of 828 per lakh in other major cities.
What does this debate imply for women's safety?
This debate highlights ongoing concerns about women's safety in various states, with calls for better governance and strategies to ensure their protection.
