Lok Sabha elections 2024: BJP fields Sandeshkhali violence survivor Rekha Patra from Basirhat
BJP's candidate from Basirhat Lok Sabha seat Rekha Patra
India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released the fifth list of candidates ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Among the list of 111 candidates, 19 are for constituencies in opposition-ruled West Bengal state. But the showstopper turned out to be Rekha Patra, who has been in the limelight for the past three months for leading protests against Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan in Sandeshkhali village. Patra was the first woman to raise her voice against alleged sexual assault and torture by the now-suspended TMC leader.
BJP has fielded Rekha Patra from Basirhat Lok Sabha seat.
Who is Rekha Patra?
Patra is a survivor of assault by Shahjahan and his associates, who are under the radar of federal investigative agencies for land grab charges as well. Shahjahan was arrested last month after he assaulted officers ofEnforcement Directorate (ED), the financial investigation agency.
Patra, a resident of the Patra Para area in Sandeshkhali, had also filed a written complaint against Sheikh Shahjahan's two aides, Shibu Hazra and Uttam Sardar. It was only after her complaints, aided by media coverage and opposition support, that West Bengal police finally registered an FIR against Shibu Hazra and Uttam Sardar at Sandeshkhali police station and both of them were arrested by the West Bengal Police in February.
She also gave her statement before a magistratecourt against Sheikh Shahjahan's aides and made the administration take strict action against them.
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Watch:India Election 2024: Congress releases fourth list of candidates for Lok Sabha polls
She has been instrumental in raising her voice and protesting against West Bengal police and government from day one since the agitation in Sandeshkhali erupted.
BJP's support for Rekha Patra
BJP has been eager to throw its weight behind her, ahead of the upcoming general elections. BJP’s leader of opposition in the state, Suvendu Adhikari, recently visited Patra’s house and expressed his support for her campaign. Patra and a group of women also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a rally in Barasat this month.
The candidate from Basirhat Lok Sabha seat now says she is being threatened by local goons, police and officials for raising her voice against the government.
West Bengal, one of the few states in India where political violence still prevails, will vote in seven phases starting April 19. The state has 42 Lok Sabha seats in total.
(With inputs from agencies)