Why BJP is demanding a polygraph test on Mamata Banerjee

The BJP on Tuesday demanded a polygraph test on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Police Commissioner Vineet Goel to unearth the conspiracy behind the rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar hospital.

BJP co-incharge for West Bengal Amit Malviya alleged that Sanjoy Roy, the accused, was on that fateful night riding a bike registered in the name of the Kolkata Police Commissioner.

“There are so many layers to it. The CBI has a tough job on hand, since Kolkata Police and Mamata Banerjee have done everything possible to eliminate all evidence and protect those involved,” he said.

“This is serious and needs investigation. Both Mamata Banerjee and Kolkata Police Commissioner must step down immediately for a free and fair probe,”  Malviya further said in a post on X.

BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia accused Banerjee of shielding those involved in the rape and murder case, and demanded that she immediately resign as the chief minister.

“Whatever is happening in West Bengal is worrisome. It's akin to tearing the Constitution to shreds. It's clearly visible that if at all there is a dictator in the country, it's Mamata Banerjee,” he said.

Bhatia, too, demanded a polygraph test on Banerjee and Goel to ascertain the truth.

The party has called for a 12-hour general strike in West Bengal on Wednesday to protest against the police action during a students’ rally in Kolkata on Tuesday.

Police lathi-charged and used water cannons and tear gas against the protesters who were marching towards the state secretariat demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the rape-murder incident.

The West Bengal government said that the administration will ensure that normal life is not affected during the strike that will begin at 6 am.