BJP, TMC clash over controversial video from 'RG Kar protest'
What's the story
A heated exchange has erupted between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC), over a video allegedly showing a girl dancing on stage during a protest. The backdrop of the stage displayed placards reading "We want justice for RG Kar." The TMC has labeled this video as "sickening," alleging that it was part of a demonstration organized by the BJP. The BJP has denied the allegations.
Criticism
TMC MP criticizes BJP over controversial video
TMC MP Saket Gokhale shared the contentious video on his official X handle, criticizing the BJP. He questioned if this was their way of "respecting women," and accused them of hijacking a protest for political agendas without any concern for the victim or any woman.
Counter-claim
BJP refutes allegations
In response to Gokhale's accusations, the West Bengal BJP unit dismissed any association with the video. They retorted that this is what happens when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee nominates non-Bengali-speaking individuals to the Rajya Sabha who can't read or write Bangla. The party further stated that circulating such videos on social media platforms is an insult to the memory of the RG Kar rape and murder victim.
Accusation
BJP accuses TMC of undermining public protests
The BJP has accused both TMC and Congress supporters of tarnishing the dignity of the victim by sharing such distasteful videos. They claimed that this is a "TMC toolkit" strategy to undermine public protests against Banerjee. The video and ensuing controversy have emerged in the wake of nationwide protests triggered by the brutal rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.