TMC veteran to join protest over Kolkata rape-murder, says 'enough of cruelty'

Sukhendu Sekhar Ray

Trinamool Congress senior leader Sukhendu Sekhar Ray who is also a Rajya Sabha MP announced that he will join the protest over the rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata, amid accusations against the West Bengal government of attempts to cover up the crime.

Announcing his decision, Ray posted on X on Tuesday: "Tomorrow I am going to join the protesters particularly because I've a daughter and little granddaughter like millions of Bengali families. We must rise to the occasion. Enough of cruelty against women. Let's resist together. Come what may."

Tomorrow I am going to join the protesters particularly because I’ve a daughter and little granddaughter like millions of Bengali families. We must rise to the occasion. Enough of cruelty against women. Let’s resist together. Come what may.

— Sukhendu Sekhar Ray (@Sukhendusekhar) August 13, 2024

When a 'X' user said the senior leader may be thrown out of Trinamool Congress for joining a protest against his own government, he responded, "Please need not worry for my fate. Blood of a freedom fighter flows in my veins. I'm least bothered."

Later in a statement, Ray said that most people had supported his stand but the chief of BJP IT Cell raised doubts and characterised his move as politically motivated.

BJP leader Amit Malviya had alleged: "Aparna Sen, now Sukhendu. Mamata Banerjee's old strategy. Co-opt protesters and compromise protest. Those seeking justice for the RG Kar MCH rape and murder victim shouldn't let any Trinamool leader even come close. They are snakes."

In response, Ray has said, "While I denounce such character assassination which is otherwise a normal phenomenon for BJP IT Cell, I am going to stage an individual dharna today in front of Netaji Statue at Jodhpur Park, Kolkata from 5-8 pm in protest against the barbaric incident of heinous crime perpetrated recently upon a Lady Doctor of RG KAR Medical College and to express my solidarity with the millions of protesters who will be on the streets tonight."

"My stand has nothing to do with the party to which I belong, not to speak of any politics," he said.