‘This mother is a symbol of exploitation’: Smriti Irani walks with RG Kar victim’s mother for nomination, slams TMC
The Statesman | 10 April 2026
BJP leader Smriti Irani on Thursday came out strongly in support of Ratna Debnath, the BJP’s candidate and mother of the RG Kar victim, accusing the ruling Mamata Banerjee government of failing to deliver justice and allowing continued harassment.
“Today, Ratna Debnath, the BJP candidate, is going with me to file her nomination. She has lost her daughter to a heinous crime. It’s a shameful thing that TMC’s goons not only harass her but also humiliate her. If TMC wanted justice, why didn’t they deliver justice to her daughter? Why are TMC people still humiliating this mother today? They will have to answer for this…. This mother is a symbol of how women have been exploited here…. And she has taken a vow to uproot these roots of oppression,” Irani said.
Her remarks come a day after Debnath alleged she was targeted during a door-to-door campaign in Panihati, where tensions flared after a group of women confronted her and raised slogans. According to Debnath, the situation escalated when she passed through another lane and was surrounded by people she described as miscreants and ASHA workers. She claimed they attempted to attack her and threw objects, while some even pulled at her hair. Her supporters were also injured in the scuffle.
The BJP has described the episode as a “pre-planned conspiracy” aimed at disrupting its candidate’s campaign.
Meanwhile, Debnath has sharpened her political attack, naming the Chief Minister as her principal opponent. “My main enemy is Mamata Banerjee because she’s the Health Minister, and my daughter worked for the Health Department. Why didn’t Mamata Banerjee save my daughter? I never combed my hair; I’ll take an oath until my daughter gets justice – I won’t comb my hair. I’ll file the nomination tomorrow. People are supporting me and want to see Mamata Banerjee defeated,” she said, as per ANI.
The case dates back to August 9, 2024, when a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor was found dead inside a seminar room at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
The incident triggered protests across the country, with widespread demands for justice. Following criticism of the initial probe, the Calcutta High Court transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation, which has since made multiple arrests.
Polling for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29. Counting is scheduled for May 4, according to the Election Commission of India.