Y.S. Sharmila, the Andhra Pradesh Congress President, reacted strongly to the recent case of rape and murder of a medico in Kolkata, which has triggered national outrage. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), she described the incident as a “deep scar on humanity” and “an act of abominable barbarism.”
She expressed solidarity with the medical fraternity, stating, “As a woman, this has shattered me and left me sleepless. As a mother, this fills me with a deep sense of fear and restlessness.”
Although West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee-led TMC is part of the I.N.D.I.A coalition, which includes Congress, Sharmila did not mince words in criticising them. She tweeted that it was “disgusting and infuriating” to witness how the case had been handled so far. She recalled major rape incidents like Hathras, which rocked the nation during the NDA rule at the centre over the last 10 years.
The heinous rape and murder of the medico in Kolkata is an ugly blot and a deep scar on humanity. It is an act of abominable barbarism that is condemnable in every sense. Days are passing, and it is disgusting and infuriating to witness how the case is being handled and to…
— YS Sharmila (@realyssharmila) August 17, 2024
She felt that in various incidents of rape, the government had shielded the culprits. In the Kolkata rape case, she blamed both the central and TMC governments for the slow progress in the case.
“The Congress party demands that the central government and the TMC government stop exchanging political salvos and playing petty games. They must respond as humans first and ensure justice for the victim,” she said. She also highlighted the UPA government's contributions to women's safety.
Sharmila’s stance has raised eyebrows in political circles, as it is seen as a direct attack on the TMC, which has been bracketed with the NDA on the issue of rapes.
Recently, another Congress leader openly lashed out at the Mamata Banerjee government. Congress leader Supriya Shrinate questioned why the government was trying to cover up the crime. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera had earlier commented that the grievances and doubts expressed by the victim's family need to be addressed.
Senior Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi tweeted on August 14 that the attempts to protect the accused rather than provide justice to the victim raised questions about the role of the local administration.
Political analysts believe that Sharmila’s tweet is a continuation of the Congress’s stance, as they do not want to be seen siding openly with the TMC on this issue, thereby denying the BJP an opportunity to criticise Congress alongside the TMC.
