TMC issues show cause notice to Madan Mitra for controversial statement over Kasba gangrape

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has issued a show cause notice to senior party MLA Madan Mitra over his controversial remarks concerning the alleged gangrape of a student at South Calcutta Law College in Kasba, a statement that has drawn widespread condemnation and further deepened the internal party rift. The notice, sent by party state president Subrata Bakshi on Sunday, explicitly states that Mitra's comments have "damaged the public image of the party" and demands a response within three days.

Mitra's controversial statement, made in the context of the Kasba incident, was: "If she (the victim) had taken someone along, then perhaps this would not have happened." This comment immediately sparked a furious backlash from women's rights activists, opposition parties, and social organizations, all of whom decried it as an egregious example of victim-blaming and an utterly irresponsible remark.

Following the widespread criticism, the Trinamool Congress had swiftly moved to clarify its position, stating that Mitra's comments were purely his "personal opinion" and "not the official view of the party." This move aimed to distance the party from the growing controversy and public outrage. However, the subsequent show cause notice indicates a more formal disciplinary action, suggesting the party intends to address such damaging statements by its members more sternly.

The Kasba gangrape incident has already led to significant internal friction within the TMC, particularly after senior MP Kalyan Banerjee also made contentious remarks that the party had to publicly disown. The action against Madan Mitra signifies the party leadership's attempt to control the narrative and mitigate the negative impact of such statements on its public standing, especially as the investigation into the heinous crime continues.