Mamata Banerjee Visits Sandeshkhali Today
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Kolkata, Dec 30 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, is scheduled to visit Sandeshkhali in the North 24 Parganas district on Monday. This marks her inaugural visit since the onset of the sexual harassment controversy earlier this year.
Multiple local women have accused the local Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan—who has since been suspended—along with his two associates, Shibu Prasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar, of sexual harassment and land encroachment.
On December 26, the Chief Minister declared her intention to attend an official event in the area on December 30, where she will present documents of public services to 100 recipients.
On that day, she stated, '20,000 individuals will receive such documents from various camps set up in the region.'
Previously, when the allegations surfaced, questions arose from various groups, including opposition parties, regarding the Chief Minister's reluctance to visit Sandeshkhali.
Political analysts believe that the significance of the Chief Minister’s visit now lies in the expectation of critical announcements being made.
Sandeshkhali made headlines on January 5 when a group from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and their accompanying Central Armed Forces Personnel were attacked while attempting a raid at Sheikh Shahjahan's residence concerning the multi-crore ration distribution scandal in West Bengal.
Following this incident, local residents whose land was reportedly seized by Shahjahan and women who suffered from sexual harassment protests took to the streets.
The Trinamool Congress claimed that the sexual harassment allegations were politically driven, aimed at tarnishing the party's reputation ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In contrast, the BJP asserted that the claims showcased the Trinamool's mismanagement and exploitation of women.
In the previous Lok Sabha elections, the Trinamool Congress secured victory in the Basirhat constituency, which encompasses the Sandeshkhali Assembly area.
Sheikh Shahjahan was apprehended on February 29 after successfully evading law enforcement for approximately two months.
Additionally, the Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari from the BJP, has announced plans to conduct a 'Jana Sanjog Yatra' in the region following the Chief Minister's visit.
