swati maliwal
– Photo: ANI
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Aam Aadmi Party’s Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal has written a letter to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. Swati wrote in the letter, ‘Didi, as the only woman Chief Minister of the country, many of us had great expectations from you. You have been praised for fielding a greater number of women candidates in the elections. Many women are now holding seats as Members of Parliament. Yet, your government’s actions in this case, from disturbing attempts to hide this heinous crime to rewarding those involved in negligence and your party’s silence, have exposed the disgusting politicization of rape.’
Swati Maliwal wrote, ‘Similar failures in dealing with cases of sexual violence have been seen in West Bengal before. Your government’s repeated silence and deflections raise serious concerns even today, when our great nation is celebrating Independence Day, a symbol of freedom, justice and equality for all. I find myself grappling with a deep sense of despair, how can we truly celebrate when the fabric of our society has been torn apart by such unspeakable acts of brutality? How can we celebrate our freedom when the women of our country are not free from the fear of rape and murder? This horrific crime has cast a dark shadow over our celebrations.’
Swati Maliwal wrote, ‘There are protests happening across the country right now, in which doctors, nurses and other citizens are expressing their anguish and outrage. If those in power fail to protect the women and children of this country and instead appear to favor the accused, what hope do we have for the future? Didi, I urge you to rise above the constraints of political convenience and lead by example. Ensure that those who commit crimes against women and children receive the harshest punishment.’
