Abhaya's Mother's Political Journey: A Grief-Stricken Campaign for Justice in Bengal
Typically, electoral processions are characterized by a vibrant atmosphere of frenzy and festivity. In the intricate dance of democracy, these events represent one of the rare occasions where voters can directly interact with their candidates, while enthusiastic party workers amplify support with boisterous slogans. However, the campaign trail of Abhaya's mother, the BJP candidate from Panihati on the outskirts of Kolkata, presents a starkly different and profoundly somber experience.
A Campaign Steeped in Sorrow and Determination
The air during her rallies is heavy with palpable grief, and the slogans chanted are far from celebratory. Instead, they echo haunting refrains like "Abhayar rakto, hobe naki bartho" (Abhaya's blood will not go in vain) and "Kanya jadi na thake, Kanyashreer ki hobe?" (What is the use of a scheme for the girl child if girls themselves are not safe?). These chants serve as a grim reminder of the critical issues at stake in this election, transforming the campaign into a poignant plea for justice and systemic accountability.
As observers tracked Abhaya's mother on the campaign trail, a profound sense of sorrow was evident. Elderly women frequently broke down in tears, while younger women attempted to console the candidate. Many individuals spoke emotionally on camera, though some refused, yet most were emphatic that the RG Kar incident would significantly influence their electoral choices. This incident refers to the brutal rape of a doctor intern in the seminar hall of the government hospital in Kolkata on August 9, 2024, a tragedy that has left an indelible mark on the community.
From Personal Tragedy to Political Platform
In a detailed interview, Abhaya's mother explained her unexpected entry into politics. She revealed that politics was never part of her plan. However, once her daughter's death became entangled in Bengal's political discourse, she felt compelled to claim a space in that arena, believing she had a greater right than anyone else to do so, as she continues to live with the enduring pain of loss.
Her campaign has garnered support, but it also relentlessly revives painful memories. At every stop, she is reminded of the bright young daughter she lost, a promising future abruptly cut short. Grief, once private, has now become public. Her primary goal remains securing justice for Abhaya. She expressed that politics has become a necessity because she no longer trusts the existing system to deliver that justice independently.
Direct Accusations and Systemic Failures
In naming these failures, she did not speak in vague terms. Her criticisms targeted the political class, the health minister, and hospital authorities, whom she accused of acting with chilling haste after the crime. Her most serious allegation was that those in positions of responsibility were prepared to treat her daughter as deceased even before an official declaration. For this BJP candidate, this goes beyond mere negligence; it indicates a system more focused on managing the aftermath than addressing the family's anguish.
She directly linked this to what she described as corruption within the health department, asserting it had stolen her daughter's future. Now, her mission is distilled to two fundamental objectives: justice for Abhaya and accountability for all those she believes failed her.
Excerpts from the Interview: A Mother's Resolve
On entering politics: "I never wanted to be in politics. There is so much pain. A candidate from this seat had almost been chosen, but then I felt that since my girl had been made part of politics, I had the greatest right to step in, because I am the one still living with that pain. My house has lost a member. That has not happened to anyone else."
On systemic failures: She highlighted specific instances, such as Nirmal Ghosh, whom she called the guardian of Panihati, holding a two-hour meeting with the principal of RG Kar on the night of August 9, 2024, to expedite the disposal of the body through last rites, rather than meeting her.
On the legal battle: "Of course. The legal battle is my number one priority." She emphasized that regardless of the election outcome, her fight in court will persist.
On memories: She recalled her daughter as a meritorious child, with memories constantly resurfacing during the campaign. "I always like to believe she is still with me. That gives me some peace. Otherwise, I become very restless."
Broader Implications and Campaign Themes
The slogan about Kanyashree has become central to her campaign, symbolizing the failure of schemes meant to protect girls when their basic safety is compromised. She cited additional incidents at RG Kar, such as a lift mishap and a heart patient's death due to negligent treatment, to underscore systemic issues.
Having met Nirbhaya's mother, she noted a key difference: in Nirbhaya's case, perpetrators were arrested immediately, whereas in Abhaya's case, not all have been apprehended. "I know who killed Abhaya, but we have not caught them." This, she stated, is why she needed a political platform to ensure justice, accusing the government of corruption and evidence destruction.
Responding to critics who note similar crimes in BJP-ruled states, she pointed to the Hathras incident, where a BJP worker involved is currently jailed, arguing that swift punishment is essential regardless of political affiliation.
A Fight for Women's Safety and Governance
She described governance as having collapsed due to corruption, citing instances where she was attacked during protests and police acted partisanly. "The main fight is to ensure that women get safety, security and respect. This is the fight of all women, not just mine."
Her message to women across the country is one of gratitude for global support, highlighting how her daughter's incident unified people across castes, creeds, and religions during protests. "This is not politics. This is blatant corruption."
At her home, a plaque encapsulates the ongoing struggle: "Abhayar ei mati te, dhorshokder thai nai" (There is no space for rapists in the land of Abhaya). Through her campaign, Abhaya's mother urges voters to view her candidacy not as a departure from mourning, but as the next phase in an unfinished fight for justice and accountability.
