In a significant announcement made on Sunday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) disclosed the names of 111 candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. This list, marking the party's fifth batch of candidate announcements, includes Rekha Patra, a notable figure from the Sandeshkhali area in West Bengal. Patra, known for her resilience and leadership during violent incidents in Sandeshkhali, has been chosen to represent the BJP as the candidate for Basirhat.

Koo App BJP’s Rekha Patra, participating in the Sandeshkali aandolan, with her child in arms. With grit and determination she is standing with the women against the atrocities of Mamta Banerjee More power to her 🔥 PM called her Shakti Swaroopa. Join | t.me/SatyaagrahIndia View attached media content - Satyaagrah (@SatyaagrahIndia) 28 Mar 2024

The BJP's latest release on Sunday outlined the candidacy of 19 individuals from Bengal, with a special spotlight on Rekha Patra. Patra's candidacy is not just a representation; it is a testament to her courage and the pivotal role she played in voicing the grievances of the women in Sandeshkhali. Her efforts led to significant action against the culprits, with three accused individuals - expelled TMC MLA Sheikh Shahjahan, Shibu Hazra, and Uttam Sardar - currently incarcerated.

Expressing gratitude for her nomination, Rekha Patra shared her ambitions, stating, “I want to thank PM Modi for the candidature (from Basirhat for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls). I will raise my voice for the Sandeshkhali victims…” Her dedication to advocating for the victims of Sandeshkhali underscores her commitment to justice and community welfare.

Furthermore, the BJP has also extended a ticket to Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, a former judge who has recently concluded his tenure at the Calcutta High Court, to run from Tamluk. This move signifies the party's intention to bring diverse and impactful personalities into the political arena, aiming to address a broad spectrum of societal issues through their representation.

In a recent development within the political landscape of West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress has made a decisive change concerning the Basirhat Lok Sabha seat, currently caught in the midst of the Sandeshkhali controversy. The party has decided to withdraw MP Nusrat Jahan from the electoral race, nominating Nurul Islam as her replacement. This move has sparked considerable discussion among political circles, highlighting the dynamic nature of electoral strategies in the region.

In reaction to the BJP's nomination of Rekha Patra for Basirhat, Amit Malviya, a prominent BJP leader, articulated the decision as a significant gesture towards the women of Sandeshkhali and Bengal at large. Through his message on X (formerly Twitter), Malviya emphasized the party's solidarity with the victims of the Sandeshkhali incidents, specifically mentioning the atrocities faced by Rekha Patra and others like her at the hands of Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates. “The BJP has fielded Rekha Patra from Basirhat in Bengal. She is one of the victims of Sandeshkhali, who suffered at the hands of Sheikh Shahjahan. Let Mamata Banerjee wipe the tears of women like her, who are suffering in silence, and are subject to her apathy, before she asks for their vote. Strong statement that @BJP4Bengal stands with the women of Sandeshkhali and Bengal,” Malviya asserted, making a direct appeal to the empathy and support of voters.

Echoing this sentiment, senior BJP leader BL Santosh took to X to express his support for Rekha Patra, highlighting her courage in being the first to speak out against the misconduct of Sheikh Jahan and his accomplices. “Rekha Patra, BJP candidate from BASIRHAT which includes Sandeshkali. She was the first to raise her voice against atrocities of @AITCofficial leader Sheikh Jahan & his accomplices.” Santosh's post underlines the party's stance on standing against violence and supporting those who have been wronged, particularly in politically sensitive areas like Sandeshkhali.

The upcoming Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal, encompassing a total of 42 Parliamentary Constituencies, are organized to unfold in seven distinct phases. This electoral exercise is slated to commence on April 19, extending over several weeks to conclude on June 1. The anticipation surrounding the vote count is set to culminate on June 4, when the results will be officially declared.

Reflecting on the electoral history of West Bengal, the 2019 Lok Sabha elections presented a competitive landscape between the major political entities in the state. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) managed to secure 22 seats, demonstrating a strong presence in the region. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as a formidable contender, capturing 18 seats out of the 42 available, marking a significant stride in their political journey within the state. The Indian National Congress (INC) concluded the election with a modest tally of two seats, indicating the shifting dynamics of voter preference and political alignment.

The comparison with the 2014 Lok Sabha elections further underscores the evolving political scenario in West Bengal. During this earlier electoral bout, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) showcased its dominance by clinching 34 seats, a testament to its substantial influence at the time. Conversely, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held a minimal stake with only 2 seats, a stark contrast to their later achievements. The Communist Party Of India (Marxist) CPI (M) and the Indian National Congress (INC) secured 2 and 4 seats respectively, reflecting a more diversified political landscape compared to the subsequent election cycle.

‘Shakti Swaroopa’: PM Modi Engages with Sandeshkhali's Voice, Rekha Patra

In a noteworthy interaction on Tuesday, March 26, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Rekha Patra, the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) candidate from the Basirhat Lok Sabha seat, located in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. Rekha Patra hails from Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas, and has emerged as a significant figure, leading the protests against TMC’s strongman Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates, Shibu Hazra and Uttam Sardar, while also being a direct victim of their misconduct.

In his conversation, Prime Minister Modi commended Rekha Patra for her courage and determination to stand up against the adversities inflicted by Shahjahan and his followers. He praised her as ‘Shakti Swaroopa’, acknowledging her as a symbol of strength and resilience. The Prime Minister expressed his interest in her election campaign's progress, inquiring about her preparations, the level of support for the BJP among the electorate, and other related concerns.

An audio clip captured a part of their dialogue, wherein PM Modi posed a thoughtful question to Patra: “You are going to play a big responsibility. How do you feel?” Responding with gratitude, Patra expressed her appreciation for Modi’s support, stating, “I feel very good. Your hands are on my head and over all women of Sandeshkhali,” thus indicating her confidence and readiness to address the concerns of the Sandeshkhali victims as part of her political engagement.

During their conversation, Rekha Patra elaborated on the gravity of the situation that had befallen her and many others, emphasizing the widespread impact of the violence not only on the women of Sandeshkhali but across the entire Basirhat region. “A big tragedy happened with us. Not just women of Sandeshkhali, the women of entire Basirhat suffered. We demand action against the accused. We haven’t been able to vote since 2011 and we hope to vote this time,” she expressed, highlighting the urgent need for justice and the restoration of their democratic rights.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing Patra's concerns, spoke of the distress inflicted upon the citizens of Basirhat under the governance of Mamata Banerjee's administration, specifically noting the deprivation of their voting rights since 2011. He reassured Patra of the Election Commission of India's support and the implementation of necessary security measures to ensure that the people of Basirhat could exercise their right to vote without fear or hindrance.

The Prime Minister acknowledged Patra's bravery in speaking out against the injustices faced by the women of Sandeshkhali, recognizing it as a significant and courageous act. “Raising the voice of the women of Sandeshkhali is not a common thing. Your courage shows that the Nari Shakti in Bengal will bless us. I urge you to inform people about the works done by the Centre. The people are fed up by the TMC government in Bengal, which does not let the implementation of central schemes in the state,” PM Modi stated, underscoring the importance of Patra's role in informing the public about the central government's efforts and the obstacles posed by the state government in the implementation of these schemes.

Privacy Breach: BJP's Call for Action Against Trinamool Congress Over Leak

On March 28th, Amit Malviya, the IT Cell chief of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), brought to light a serious accusation against the Trinamool Congress (TMC). He highlighted an incident where the TMC allegedly leaked sensitive personal information of the BJP's Lok Sabha candidate from Basirhat, Rekha Patra. Patra, a victim in the Sandeshkhali incident and the first woman to vocalize the injustices faced by women in the area, found her personal details exposed in what Malviya describes as a deliberate act by the TMC to undermine the protest efforts against violence in Sandeshkhali.

In a statement on X, Malviya directly addressed this breach, quoting the post by the AITC’s official handle and responding with, “Shame on Mamata Banerjee. In a bid to denigrate the protesting women of #Sandeshkhali, TMC stoops to a new low and officially leaks sensitive government data, including personal details of Rekha Patra, BJP’s candidate from Basirhat. TMC has to take the blame for any eventuality.”

Further elaborating on the implications of such an act, Malviya criticized the effectiveness of the Swasthya Sathi card mentioned in the leak, labeling it virtually useless under the current healthcare situation in West Bengal. He argued that the state's healthcare facilities are in a deplorable state under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's administration, forcing many residents to seek medical care outside West Bengal. Malviya also pointed out Banerjee's refusal to implement Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state, denying millions of residents potential health benefits.

In a call for protective measures, Malviya urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to acknowledge the severity of the TMC's actions. He requested immediate intervention to safeguard the personal data of West Bengal's residents against any potential misuse by the ruling party. “Urge ECI to take immediate steps, to ensure personal data of all residents of West Bengal is safe with the government of WB and not leaked or misused by the ruling TMC.” This plea highlights the critical need for data protection and privacy, especially in the context of political rivalry and electoral competition.

Public Outcry and Controversy Over TMC's Disclosure of Rekha Patra's Personal Information

In an earlier incident that sparked widespread criticism, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) sought to discredit Rekha Patra, the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) candidate from Basirhat, by publicly sharing a screenshot from the state government's database. The TMC's post accused Patra of "playing the ultimate game of hypocrisy" by allegedly enjoying the benefits of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's welfare schemes while associating herself with what they referred to as "Delhi's zamindars". TMC articulated this accusation on social media, stating, "Caught red-handed! BJP’s MP candidate from Basirhat, Rekha Patra, plays the ultimate game of hypocrisy, enjoying the benefits of Smt Mamata Banerjee’s schemes while aligning herself with Delhi’s JOMIDARS. PM Narendra Modi, don’t forget to inquire about her Swasthya Sathi card the next time you call her. It might help you understand how our leader’s brainchild, Swasthya Sathi, surpasses the failed Ayushman Bharat scheme.”

Netizens Respond to Rekha Patra's Doxxing by TMC

The publication of Rekha Patra's personal information by the TMC led to a strong backlash from netizens, who condemned the act as doxxing. One user, Shiva, called for the post to be mass reported for violating privacy, tagging Amit Malviya, the BJP's IT Cell chief. Another commenter, BefittingFacts, criticized the TMC's actions as shameful, pointing out the irony in penalizing government scheme beneficiaries who choose to voice opposition or contest elections against the ruling party. Darshan Pathank highlighted the gender aspect, remarking on the leak of a woman candidate's private information, particularly one who is also a victim of violence.

Rekha Patra's Political Journey from Protester to Candidate

It is noteworthy that Rekha Patra was at the forefront of protests in Sandeshkhali, accusing TMC strongman Sheikh Shahjahan and his aides of serious offences including land grabbing and sexual assault. Her activism and leadership in these protests set a precedent for resistance against injustice in the area. Patra's engagement with these critical issues was further recognized when she, along with others from Sandeshkhali, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 6th during his public meeting in Barasat, where they discussed the adversities faced by women in the region. Following this interaction, she was nominated as the BJP's candidate for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 from the Basirhat seat, marking a significant chapter in her journey from activist to political candidate.

Sandeshkhali horror

On February 8th of this year, Sandeshkhali witnessed an unprecedented display of courage and unity among its women. Hundreds took to the streets to voice their outrage against the heinous acts of land grabbing, non-payment of wages, and sexual violence perpetrated by Trinamool Congress goon Sheikh Shahjahan and his accomplices, Shiba Prasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar. Their protests not only echoed through the streets but led to direct action against the properties illicitly acquired by these individuals, including the torching of a poultry farm owned by Hazra.

The intensity of their protest saw them encircling the Sandeshkhali police station, where they vocally demanded the immediate arrest of Shahjahan and his aides. This agitation, fueled by years of silent suffering, persisted for three days. However, during this period of civic unrest, the response from the authorities was far from supportive. Reports emerged of the police acting as bystanders during instances of retaliation from the TMC goons against the protestors. Moreover, there were disturbing accounts of police personnel harassing the protesting women, revealing a longstanding pattern of sexual violence inflicted upon the residents by TMC members.

In an attempt to quell the uproar from the villagers of Sandeshkhali, the TMC leadership took disciplinary action against Uttam Sardar by suspending him from the party for six years. This suspension was followed by his arrest within the Sandeshkhali police jurisdiction on February 10th, 2024.

The law finally caught up with Shibu Prasad Hazra on February 17th, who was arrested for his involvement in land grabbing and the sexual exploitation of women in Sandeshkhali. The culmination of these protests and the subsequent legal and public pressure led to the arrest of the primary accused, Sheikh Shahjahan, on February 29th, following intervention from the Calcutta High Court. This series of events marked a significant moment in the villagers' fight against oppression and injustice, underlining the collective resilience and determination of the Sandeshkhali community.