Mahua Moitra denies Bengal govt cover-up in doctor rape-murder case
criticises BJP over 'gungi-gudiya' remark
Kolkata: Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra has dismissed allegations of a cover-up in the investigation into the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. In a video message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Moitra defended the West Bengal government's actions and responded to BJP’s criticism of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other female representatives.
Moitra emphasized that there is no systematic cover-up, stating, "The story that the state government and elected representatives are involved in a cover-up is absolutely false." She added that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was out of Kolkata at the time, had contacted the victim’s family and visited them within 12 hours of her return.
The TMC MP also slammed BJP leaders for calling Mamata Banerjee and other female MPs "Gungi Gudiya" (mute dolls), pointing out that Mamata Banerjee has always stood for women’s causes and that the political narrative is unjust.
Moitra expressed grief over the tragic incident and acknowledged the public's fear and anger, noting that it is important to separate facts from propaganda. Meanwhile, protests continue across the country, with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) announcing a 24-hour withdrawal of non-essential services on August 17 in solidarity with the victim.
The police have arrested the prime suspect based on CCTV footage, and 19 individuals have been taken into custody following vandalism at the hospital premises. The CBI is leading the investigation.
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Will contest for CM's post if there is leadership change, says senior MLA Shamanuru Shivashankarappa
Davangere (Karnataka), Sep 11: Senior Congress MLA Shamanuru Shivashankarappa on Wednesday said he will also be in the contest for the Chief Minister post if the legislators support him, in the event of leadership change in Karnataka.
The 93-year-old, however, said the incumbent CM Siddaramaiah is running a good administration and added: "let him continue until he has the blessings of the high command."
"There is no question of senior or junior in politics. Whomever majority of the elected legislators support, high command says yes to them, that's the practice. If the situation comes, I will also contest, I won't leave," Shivashankarappa told reporters.
His son, S S Mallikarjun, is a Minister in the Siddaramaiah Cabinet, while daughter-in-law Prabha Mallikarjun is Davangere MP.
"I said, I will, the legislators should first accept and support me," he said when asked if he is in the race being the senior-most MLA.
ALSO READ: CM post not vacant, no doubt that I will continue in the position, asserts Siddaramaiah
Shivashankarappa joined the list of party leaders weighing in for the Chief Minister's post in the event of leadership change in Karnataka, while maintaining that the incumbent will continue in the position.
As Siddaramaiah's petition challenging the Governor's sanction for his prosecution in a site allotment case is being heard in the High Court, some Congress leaders seem to be preparing for a race to become CM, in case of leadership change.
Making it clear that the Chief Minister post in the state is not vacant for anyone to weigh in to occupy it now, Siddaramaiah on Wednesday asserted that there are no doubts in this regard and he will continue in the position.
