The Indian Express (Delhi Edition)
PM dials Sandeshkali protester, now BJP’S Basirhat candidate
PRIME MINISTER Narendra Modi on Tuesday telephoned BJP’S Basirhat candidate Rekha Patra, one of the protesters against alleged sexual harassment of women and incidents of landgrabbing in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali by a section of Trinamool Congress leaders, and called her “shakti swaroopa”, a manifestation of power.
During the nearly nineminute-long conversation, Patra, toldthepmthatshehasnotvoted since 2011 as they could not participate in the elections but now wanted all the women of Sandeshkhali to exercise their franchise freely.
“I am one of the unfortunate women from Sandeshkhali. Not only Sandeshkhali but the women of the entire Basirhat area faced atrocities. The culprits have been arrested and we want them punished. We want to cast our votes in an environment of safety. We want all mothers and sisters of Sandeshkhali to be allowed to freely cast their vote,” said Patra, a housewife who walked protest rallies carrying her girl child on her waist alongside scores of other women agitators from Sandeshkhali area against alleged atrocities at the hands of arrested TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his associates. It was on her complaint that the police arrested Shibaprasad Hazra, a local muscleman and associate of Sheikh.
Reassuring her, Modi said, “You are going to carry out an important responsibility. I am sure your words will reach the EC which will make arrangements forfreeandfairpolls.ihopetheec understands your pain that you could not vote since 2011.”
To this, Patra replied, “You are likegod..itseemslikeramji(lord
Ram) is in front of me.”
When Modi asked what was the response of people after her name was announced, Patra said, “I am happy ..Even some TMC women (supporters of TMC) accepted me. They sent messages through video calls and apologised. I have no enmity with them. I will work for them too.”
Modi said, “I feel BJP did a good job by announcing you a candidate. It is good that you will fight for the rights of TMC supporters also. I got to know that the people of Basirhat are showering their blessings and love on you.”
Patra said, “I feel I will get all the support and will be able to work for people (of Bashirhat).”
Modi said, “You have raised theissueofthewomenofsandeshkhali before the entire country. You have sent very powerful people to jail. I see your courage. You have great confidence. You are ‘shakti swaroopa’. I am sure you will win and reach Delhi (Parliament).” “I have the support of mothers and sisters here and with their support I will move ahead,” she said.