The Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded the mother of the doctor who was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in 2024 as a candidate for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.
Her candidature has drawn national attention, linking one of the country’s most shocking criminal cases to electoral politics.
The victim’s mother, Ratna Debnath, will contest from the Panihati constituency in North 24 Parganas district. Her name was included in a list of 19 candidates released by the BJP on Wednesday.
The seat has long been held by the Trinamool Congress, with Nirmal Ghosh representing it since 2011. This time, the ruling party has fielded his son, Tirthankar Ghosh.
Assembly elections in West Bengal will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.
“I Am Fighting for Justice”
Explaining her decision to enter politics, Debnath said her primary aim is to seek justice for her daughter and raise concerns about women’s safety.
“I am contesting to fight for justice for my daughter,” she said. “Women’s safety is my only concern. I will raise my voice for those who have forgotten how to protest.”
She also expressed hope that she would be able to serve people through public life. “If I can serve people, my daughter will also be happy,” she added.
A Case That Sparked Nationwide Protests
The case dates back to August 9, 2024, when a 31-year-old trainee doctor was found raped and murdered inside the hospital premises in Kolkata. The incident triggered widespread outrage across India.
Doctors and medical staff launched protests that lasted for weeks, demanding justice and better safety measures in hospitals. Healthcare services in several parts of the state were affected as junior doctors went on strike.
The protests later spread beyond West Bengal, with demonstrations reported across multiple cities and even internationally. Campaigns calling for women’s safety and justice gained momentum during this period.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
In January 2025, the accused, Sanjoy Roy, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, the Central Bureau of Investigation has appealed for the death penalty, and the matter is currently under consideration.
The agency is also investigating allegations of evidence tampering and corruption linked to the case. Among those under scrutiny are former officials of the hospital and local police.
From Protest to Politics
Debnath’s entry into electoral politics marks a shift from protest to participation in the political process. Her family had earlier indicated that the long wait for justice influenced this decision.
The BJP’s move is being seen as both a political strategy and an attempt to highlight issues of women’s safety in the state.
The Panihati constituency is expected to witness a closely watched contest, given its political significance and the emotional weight of the candidate’s background.
With elections approaching, the issue of women’s safety, law and order, and accountability is likely to remain central to campaign narratives in West Bengal.
Debnath’s candidature has already added a new dimension to the political discourse, blending a personal fight for justice with a broader electoral battle.
