Kolkata Mother Enters Political Arena Following Daughter's Tragic Death
In March 2025, a grieving mother from Kolkata, along with her husband, was tirelessly seeking justice for their only daughter, who was brutally raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, 2024. Now, a year later, this bereaved mother has taken a decisive step into the electoral arena, contesting from her home constituency on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket.
Launching a Campaign Born from Grief
She launched her maiden political campaign on Thursday at the party's state headquarters on Muralidhar Sen Lane. There, she met with senior functionaries before taking to the streets to connect with voters. In the afternoon, she offered prayers at a neighbourhood Annapurna temple located at Natagarh CR Park near Sodepur HB Town.
Draped in a BJP scarf and surrounded by party workers—a sight locals found unusual given her previously apolitical background—she greeted residents, shook hands, and appealed for votes with folded hands. This marked a significant transformation from a private citizen seeking justice to a public figure aiming to bring about change.
A Mother's Resolve Strengthened by Public Support
"The nationwide movement that emerged after the heinous crime against my daughter gave me the courage to fight sinister forces," she told TOI. "Seeing people from all walks of life—from an 80-year-old man in a wheelchair to a five-year-old child raising slogans for justice—strengthened my resolve to take this step."
Addressing the delay in justice, she expressed frustration: "A long time has passed since my daughter's killing. Despite sustained protests, we are yet to get justice. I decided to contest on a BJP ticket to ensure justice is delivered and to hold accountable those responsible."
Focus on Women's Safety and Civic Issues
She also pointed to the state's law and order situation as a contributing factor to the incident. "My daughter was a talented and courageous doctor. I want to fight for women's safety in Bengal and bring about meaningful change to prevent such tragedies in the future," she emphasized.
Her husband echoed these sentiments, asserting that the BJP possesses the strength necessary to challenge the ruling Trinamool Congress government. He highlighted key priorities for their constituency, including women's safety and addressing chronic civic issues in Panihati such as waterlogging, garbage disposal, and poor living conditions.
Political Context and Competitors
"Becoming a candidate stems from immense grief. If I win, it will be the victory of the people. I will raise my voice for those who have forgotten how to protest," she declared, framing her candidacy as a voice for the marginalized.
The political landscape in her constituency is competitive. The Left Front has fielded Kalatan Dasgupta, a prominent face from the RG Kar protest movement, as its CPM candidate. Dasgupta remarked, "It was not about any one individual. We protested irrespective of political affiliations—from road blockades to 'Reclaim the Night' programmes."
Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress candidate Tirthankar Ghosh stated he had "nothing personal" against his BJP competitor, adding, "This is an election to choose the MLA and the CM," focusing on broader governance issues.
A Symbolic Shift in Kolkata's Political Narrative
This development underscores a poignant shift in Kolkata's political narrative, where personal tragedy has propelled an ordinary citizen into the public sphere. Her entry into politics is not just about seeking justice for her daughter but also about advocating for systemic changes in women's safety and civic governance. As the election approaches, her campaign is likely to resonate with voters concerned about these critical issues, making it a significant story in Bengal's political discourse.
