Kolkata: The comment of Bengali matinee idol turned politician Dipak Adhikari, alias Dev, linking campaigning and rape has raised a stink, with many demanding that he be withdrawn as a Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate from West Midnapore.
Speaking to a Bengali tabloid, Ebala, Dev likened the frenzy of general elections surrounding him to that of “being raped”.
“Eighty per cent of the media is now focusing on Ghatal. Dev contesting from Ghatal has become a hot topic. It is nice that a place like Ghatal has also become popular.”
When asked by the publication whether he was enjoying the moment, Dev was quoted as saying: “Enjoy ... it’s just like being raped here, either you can enjoy or can shout”.
Political parties have condemned this comment and will lodge an official complaint with the Election Commission.
Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sujon Chakraborty said, “We condemn it in the strictest sense especially when such a comment has come from a man who is seen as a role model by youngsters. It is unfortunate that an individual who compares democracy to crime, is contesting the poll and aspire to be the elected representatives to parliament,”
“TMC after three years in power has ensured that Bengal is the rape capital of the country. It is also the state where atrocities against women are the highest in the country. The people of Ghatal should protest through ballot box,” said state BJP president Rahul Sinha.
All political parties have called for cancellation of his candidature.
Though Dev was unavailable for comment, TMC leaders believe it was sheer inexperience and understanding of his position that led to such a comment. “The party will certainly talk to him,” said a senior TMC leader coordinating Dev’s candidature.
Congress leader O.P. Mishra called for immediate penal action against Dev. “The comments invite penal action under the relevant laws protecting the dignity of a woman. The administration should immediately take action,” Mishra said.
Women’s activist Saswati Ghosh said the comments were outrageous, an insult to women as a whole and demeaning to victims of the dreadful crime.
“It is outrageous and outrightly condemnable. It is most unfortunate for the people that a person like him is contesting. It won’t be surprising if he even asks women to enjoy rape if unfortunately they become victim of the crime,” Ghosh said.
- with inputs from IANS
