madan-mitra-apologises-for-remarks-on-calcutta-rape-case

Replying to the show-cause notice issued by the party high command for his controversial remarks on the South Calcutta gang rape case, TMC MLA and former minister Madan Mitra sought an unconditional apology on Tuesday.

 

Mitra’s remark, which appeared to blame the victim for going to the students’ union room alone, attracted widespread backlash from the public, civil society, and within his own party.

 

At a party event in Kolkata’s adjoining Kamarhati on Saturday, Mitra questioned the victim's actions, saying, “Why did that student go to college alone? Why didn’t she inform any of our party workers? She went to an empty college alone? And the miscreants took advantage of this opportunity. If she hadn’t gone to college alone, this incident wouldn’t have happened.”

 

His remarks triggered a storm of condemnation, with activists, opposition parties, and the general public accusing him of victim-blaming.

 

In response, the TMC leadership quickly distanced itself from the remarks. State party president Subrata Bakshi issued a formal notice to Madan Mitra, seeking a written explanation within three days.

 

Before the deadline, Mitra submitted the apology letter to the party, expressing regret for his comments and acknowledging the damage caused.

 

According to sources, the senior MLA wrote that he accepted responsibility for any negative impact on the party’s image and assured that such remarks would not be repeated.

 

He also explained the context of his earlier statements and promised to exercise caution while making public remarks in the future, adding that he would speak in line with party principles.

 

When approached for comment, Mitra declined to elaborate, saying, “I have told the party what I had to say. I won’t speak about it in the media.”

 

Mitra is not the only Trinamool leader to come under scrutiny. Senior MP Kalyan Banerjee also made controversial remarks about the Kasba gang rape case, which further fuelled criticism.

 

The party clarified that both Mitra and Banerjee’s statements do not reflect the official stance of the TMC. Banerjee, too, was reportedly warned by the leadership.