A senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from West Bengal has issued a public apology following widespread condemnation of his remarks, where he suggested men should lock up their wives to prevent them from voting for the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Controversial Comments and Swift Backlash
The controversy erupted after Kalipada Sengupta, a BJP leader from Midnapore, addressed a gathering in Daspur on Saturday. During his speech, he disparagingly referred to the state's flagship Lakshmir Bhandar scheme as 'Alakshmir Bhandar'. He alleged that women who benefited from the financial assistance scheme would feel obliged to vote for the TMC. In a shocking suggestion, he urged men to put these women under lock and key on polling day to stop them from voting.
The remarks triggered immediate and severe criticism from across the political spectrum. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led the charge, strongly condemning the statement during a public address in Gangasagar on Monday. She labeled it a "criminal offence" and a direct threat to women's rights.
"Every woman will continue to receive the benefit of Lakshmir Bhandar. Even after turning 60, women will keep getting the benefit," Banerjee asserted. "One from the camp of Delhi-based netas said that our ‘Lakshmis' should not be allowed to step out of their homes to vote. This is a threat and a criminal offence."
Pressure Mounts, Forcing an Apology
Facing intense backlash and mounting pressure, Kalipada Sengupta, who had remained defiant until Sunday, was reportedly instructed by the BJP's top leadership to retract his words. This led to a press conference on Monday where he formally apologized.
"In Bengal we worship mothers. Maa Durga killed Asura. Trinamool is trying to lure the same power of women with favours under Lakshmir Bhandar," Sengupta stated, attempting to contextualize his earlier comments. "However, I seek an apology if any mother or any sister felt insulted." He emphasized his reverence for Maa Durga and claimed he would never intentionally disrespect women.
When questioned by journalists if his initial statement was a 'fatwa' (edict), Sengupta outright denied it, saying, "It was never a fatwa."
Political Damage Control and Scheme Assurances
In a clear attempt at damage control, Sengupta also clarified his stance on the welfare scheme at the center of the controversy. "I am not against Lakshmir Bhandar," he claimed. He further stated that BJP leaders had assured that if the party comes to power, it would enhance the scheme's benefits. "Our netas have assured that BJP would pay at least a rupee more than what Trinamool does," he added, trying to shift the narrative to a political promise of one-upmanship on welfare.
The incident highlights the intense political rivalry in West Bengal and the sensitivity around women-centric welfare schemes as a key electoral plank. While the apology has been issued, the remarks have already fueled a major political row, putting the BJP on the defensive regarding its stance on women's empowerment and electoral freedom.
