PM Modi speaks to Sandeshkhali survivor fielded by BJP in polls, calls her ‘Shakti Swaroopa’
Sandeshkhali survivor, Rekha Patra
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (March 26) had a conversation with Sandeshkhali survivor Rekha Patra, who is now the Bharatiya Janata Party's Lok Sabha candidate from Basirhat.
Rekha is one of the victims of Sandeshkhali assault, allegedly perpetrated by jailed former Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan.
During the telephonic conversation, PM Modi inquired about Patra's campaign in Basirhat and her support for the BJP. Patra also shared the harrowing experiences of the victims in Sandeshkhali.
Addressing Patra, the Prime Minister remarked, "You waged a significant battle in Sandeshkhali; you embody strength. Your efforts led to the incarceration of influential individuals. Your actions were incredibly courageous."
He continued by explaining that "Shakti" is a term from Hinduism associated with goddesses such as Durga and Kali. In response, Patra attributed her achievements to the support of women and pledged to follow the path they've shown, ensuring inclusivity for all. The Prime Minister offered unwavering support to the BJP candidate.
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“Raising the voice of the women of Sandeshkhali is not a common thing. Your courage shows that the Nari Shakti in Bengal will bless us. I urge you to inform people about the works done by the Centre. The people are fed up by the TMC government in Bengal, which does not let the implementation of central schemes in the state,” the prime minister told Patra.
"It is not often that Sandeshkhali women raise their voices. Your bravery indicates that we shall be blessed by the Nari Shakti in Bengal. I implore you to tell people about the Centre's efforts," Modi said. The Prime Minister told Patra that the people in Bengal are tired of the TMC government's refusal to allow the state to implement federal programmes.
Sandeshkhali is a village in North 24 Parganas thatcame in limelight when a team of Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials that had gone there for a probe in the ration scam, got attacked by supporters of local TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan.
Hundreds of women protested in Sandeshkhali last month, alleging that Shahjahan and his allies had stolen land and sexually assaulted them.
The TMC expelled Shahjahan from the party for six years as the demonstrations grew more intense. On February 29, after dodging authorities for two months, he was taken into custody. Shahjahan was then turned over to the CBI as a result of an order from a high court in Calcutta.
(With inputs from agencies)