Congress Bengal Chief Accused of Harassment by Women's Wing Leader
A major controversy has erupted within the Congress party in West Bengal, as the state's Pradesh Mahila Congress president, Shrabanti Singh, has leveled serious allegations of harassment and misconduct against the state party president, Subhankar Sarkar. The accusations come at a critical juncture, with the party having recently decided to contest the upcoming state elections independently, without any alliances.
Allegations of Harassment and Intimidation
In a formal letter addressed to Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge, Shrabanti Singh detailed a series of incidents where she claims Subhankar Sarkar engaged in threatening behavior, used abusive language, and made lewd comments towards her and other Mahila Congress functionaries. Singh, who was appointed as the West Bengal Pradesh Mahila Congress president after contributing significantly to party membership drives, alleges that Sarkar has been creating impediments in her efforts to strengthen the women's wing from the very beginning.
Singh wrote in her complaint: "I am hereby lodging an official complaint against West Bengal Congress president Subhankar Sarkar for continuously threatening, hurling insults, abusing, making lewd comments, violating my modesty, and disrespecting women and my family." She further stated that Sarkar's actions have made women from marginalized communities, including SC, OBC, and minority groups, reluctant to join the party due to fear of retribution.
Specific Incident Cited
Singh highlighted a particular incident on February 7, 2026, at the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC) headquarters. She alleges that Sarkar, in front of twelve Mahila Congress functionaries, threatened to disband her committee and used abusive language against her and her family members. "He has threatened me and my family members using the most abusive tone that can be used against a woman," Singh asserted in her letter.
Despite these allegations, Singh emphasized that she has refrained from going public or filing a police complaint until now, in the interest of the party's dignity. However, she stressed that the issue cannot be ignored any longer, especially as she seeks justice for herself and other marginalized women within the party.
Sarkar's Denial and Counter-Claims
In response, Subhankar Sarkar has categorically denied all allegations, labeling them as a politically motivated conspiracy. He suggested that the accusations are linked to the party's decision to contest the elections alone, which has upset certain factions within the Congress who favored an alliance with the Left.
Sarkar stated: "When we took the decision to go it alone in the upcoming assembly elections, I anticipated these kinds of allegations to tarnish my image. Earlier, these came from other parties, but now it has started within my party. Those who are in favor of an alliance with the Left are conspiring to malign my image and, unfortunately, the party's as well."
He added that the incident on February 7 occurred in a public setting, and he is confident that his party colleagues are aware of what transpired, making him unafraid to face what he calls "politically motivated allegations."
Background and Context
Shrabanti Singh's rise within the Congress party is notable; she became the highest membership contributor in the All India Mahila Congress after adding over 100,000 women to the Pradesh Mahila Congress, particularly from marginalized groups. Her appointment as president was delayed for unspecified reasons, but she claims that Sarkar's harassment began immediately afterward, hindering her work.
The timing of these allegations is significant, as West Bengal is gearing up for state elections, and the Congress's decision to go solo has already stirred internal debates. This controversy adds to the existing turmoil within the state unit, potentially impacting the party's cohesion and public image ahead of the polls.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the Congress high command's response to Singh's complaint and how it will address these serious allegations while navigating the political landscape in West Bengal.
