Leader of the Opposition Surya Kanta Mishra said: “As a reaction to each of the cases in the last 18 months of the Trinamool Congress-government, the CM had said the incidents had been ‘staged’ and a ‘conspiracy to malign the reputation of the government’.”

Mishra said comments like these not only encouraged offenders but also would soon backfire at the government. “She has created a Frankenstein which would eventually destroy her as well,” he added.

Party chief secretary Biman Bose, who coordinated the programme at Rani Rashmoni Square, cited the example of 10 recent incidents of rape where there was alleged police inaction, “with the government trying to play down the incidents.”

Giving figures, he said: “Since the Trinamool government came to power, 83 CPM supporters had been killed, 12 were forced to commit suicide and 23 women CPM supporters were either raped or molested. In general, 73 farmers had committed suicide, 568 cases of rape and molestation had been reported and 823 cases of physical violence on women had taken place in the state.”

He also said that whenever there was an incident of attack on women, the CM was quick to find out which political party the victim supported.

“I would urge all political parties to join hands against these atrocities against women, irrespective of which party these victims supported and raise their voice against offenders who, otherwise would feel encouraged that there is no one to stop them,” he said.