Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Saturday responded to her party distancing itself from controversial remarks made by TMC leaders Kalyan Banerjee and Madan Mitra regarding the recent Kolkata gangrape case.
In a post on X, Moitra wrote, “Misogyny in India cuts across party lines,” adding, “The difference is that AITC condemns these disgusting comments no matter who makes them.”
Moitra also shared a statement issued by the TMC’s official handle, which denounced the comments made by Banerjee and Mitra. The party clarified that the remarks were made in their personal capacities and did not reflect the party’s stance.
“These views do not reflect the position of the party in any manner whatsoever,” the statement said, adding that the TMC has “zero tolerance” for crimes against women. It further demanded the “strictest possible punishment” for those responsible for the crime.
Misogyny in India cuts across party lines. What differentiates @AITCofficial is that we condemn these disgusting comments no matter who makes them. https://t.co/2AQ59fQK4w
— Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) June 28, 2025
The controversy stems from the gangrape of a first-year law student inside the South Calcutta Law College premises in Kasba. On Friday, Kolkata Police arrested three men in connection with the crime. Among the accused, two are current students, while the third—Monojit Mishra—is a former student and the prime accused. The FIR was registered by the survivor on June 26, a day after the incident.
TMC leaders under fire for comments
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee and MLA Madan Mitra faced backlash for their remarks on the case. Banerjee, while addressing reporters, said, “What can be done if a friend rapes his friend?” Though he stressed that the accused should be arrested, he also questioned, “This was done by students to another student. Who will protect her (victim)? Can police be there in schools?”
Mitra, on the other hand, suggested that the incident could have been avoided had the woman not gone to the college. He said, “…if someone calls you when the college is closed, offering you a position in the unit, then don’t go, nothing good will come of it.”
The comments drew sharp criticism, especially from BJP’s West Bengal co-incharge Amit Malviya, who called them “victim-blaming, plain and vile”.