West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has come under fire after her recent remarks on women safety drew widespread backlash from opposition leaders, activists, and social media users. During a public interaction, the CM advised that girl students residing in hostels should not venture out at night and emphasized that they need to protect themselves.

These comments have been criticised as insensitive, with many arguing that it shifts the responsibility of safety from authorities and society onto women themselves. Political analysts and activists have noted that while personal vigilance is important, the government has a primary duty to ensure safety through law enforcement and public security measures.

The backlash came swiftly from various quarters, including political opponents and women’s rights organizations. Critics have pointed out that remarks like these reflect a lack of structural measures and policy enforcement to ensure women’s safety in educational institutions and public spaces. Social media has been abuzz with discussions highlighting the need for state accountability rather than imposing cautionary advice solely on women.

Mamata Banerjee’s statement also raises broader questions about women’s safety in India, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas where incidents of harassment and violence are frequent. Experts argue that beyond advice to women, investment in safety infrastructure, surveillance, police patrolling, and awareness campaigns are essential to create safer environments.

This controversy comes at a time when debates over women’s safety in educational hostels, workplaces, and public transport have intensified nationwide. Many educationists and social commentators emphasize that hostel management, local administration, and state authorities must work together to provide a secure environment for girl students.

In response to the criticism, some supporters of the CM claim that the statement was intended as practical advice for immediate personal safety. However, opposition parties have accused the CM of dodging accountability and failing to ensure robust protective measures for women in West Bengal.

The incident has reignited conversations across India regarding gender-sensitive governance, the role of law enforcement in protecting citizens, and the societal approach to women’s safety. Citizens, students, and parent groups have demanded that more proactive steps be taken, including stricter safety protocols in hostels, better lighting in public spaces, and immediate action against harassment complaints.

This episode serves as a reminder that discussions around women’s safety in India continue to be a sensitive and pressing issue, requiring balanced policy-making, public awareness, and accountability from both the government and society.

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