Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai grew concerned after the news of the violence in Bengal broke out. He termed the incident of sexual assault of tribal women as ”gruesome” and “horrifying.” He sent a letter to the Bengal counterpart expressing his concern.
Sandeshkhali witnessed unrest with incidents like brutal rape of more than 50 women belonging to tribal communities. Instances of grabbing the land from tribals and snatching away MNREGA wages from them were also reported.
CM Vishnu Deo Sai condemned the leadership of CM Mamata Banerjee remarking the incident has tarnished humanity. The CM grew sympathetic to the pains of tribals in Bengal as he himself belongs to tribal community and shares brotherhood with them.
A few years earlier, Bengal had shown a significant growth in the field of women empowerment leaving behind Gujarat and many other states. This was as reported by the National Family Health Survey 5 (NFHS) for 2019-20. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on a number of occasions asserted that her government is committed to the welfare and empowerment of women. ‘Women are the pillars of our society. They are our pride. From Kanyashree to Rupashree, our Govt in #Bangla is committed to the welfare and empowerment of women. Our Govt in #Bangla is financially empowering rural women through self- help groups.”
But the recent incidents have shaken the belief that Bengal is growing in women empowerment. Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai urged West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to take strict action against the accused. It will send a strong message that the deprived sections are not for exploitation.
