In a scathing attack against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the Sandeshkhali case, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Banerjee was shielding accused Shahjahan.

While addressing a public rally in Bengal’s Arambagh, PM Modi raked up the Sandeshkhali issue and said, “Har chot ka jawab vote se dena hai (Every wound will answered with a vote)”.

“Today, the people of West Bengal are asking their CM ‘Didi’ – is the vote of some people more important than atrocities against women in Sandeshkhali?…All the tall leaders of INDI alliance were silent on the Sandeshkhali incident. INDI alliance leaders were like the three monkeys of Gandhiji…Congress chief said – ‘Arey chhoddo, Bengal mein toh yeh sab chalta rheta hai’ (Leave it, this is business as usual in Bengal)…,” PM Modi said.

Also Read: Sandeshkhali unrest: TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh sent to 10-day police custody

“Should I let the loot by TMC continue?…Meri guarantee hai ki jo lootne wale hain unko lautana padega (It is my guarantee that those who loot will have to return.”

Referring to the Trinamool Congress’ slogan of ‘Maa, Maati, Manush’ (Mother, Land, and People), the PM said in Hindi, “What has been done to the women in Sandeshkhali by the Trinamool Congress, which keeps talking about ‘Maa, Maati, Manush’, has made the entire country sad and angry. (Reformer) Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s soul must be in tears because of the deeds of these people.”

Further tearing into ruling party TMC in Bengal, the Prime Minister said, “TMC government is the big hurdle in the empowerment of poor, farmers, youth and women…”

Also Read: Sandeshkali row: Calcutta HC orders arrest of TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh, clarifies ‘no stay on arrest’

Sandeshkhali unrest

The unrest in Sandeshkhali stems from accusations against TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh and his supporters of land grabbing and sexual assault, with Shahjahan evading authorities since a mob attack on Enforcement Directorate officials on January 5.

A large number of women in Sandeshkhali have accused Sheikh and his supporters of “land-grab and sexual assault” under coercion. They are protesting and seeking justice against alleged atrocities committed by the TMC leader.

Also Read: Sandeshkhali violence: Bengal BJP chief injured in clashes with cops, hospitalised

The leader, who was on the run since January 5, was arrested on February 29 and was sent to 10-day police custody.

He has been previously embroiled in several criminal cases, including the murder of 3 BJP workers in 2019.