Mamata Banerjee Hints at External Influence in Sandeshkhali Protests

Sandeshkhali, West Bengal: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, during her first public meeting in Sandeshkhali on Monday, hinted at external influences behind the earlier-year protests against local Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan. Banerjee, without directly referencing the movement, suggested that a "money game" misled the public, particularly women, into participating in demonstrations against sexual harassment and illegal land grabbing allegations.

Addressing a gathering in Sandeshkhali, a cluster of islands in North 24 Parganas district, the Chief Minister urged residents to remain vigilant against "mischievous people" and refrain from falling into their traps. She requested women not to go anywhere if called upon.

Banerjee also cautioned residents against paying bribes to access social welfare schemes, emphasizing that these benefits are provided free of cost. She announced several development initiatives for Sandeshkhali, including increasing the bed capacity at Sandeshkhali Rural Hospital from 30 to 50 and creating an additional sub-division in North 24 Parganas district to improve administrative services.

Adding to the significance of the day's events, Sujay Mondal, a prominent figure in the Sandeshkhali movement earlier this year, joined the Trinamool Congress. Trinamool Congress leadership stated that Mondal, widely recognized in the area as Sujay Master, acknowledged his mistake and chose to join the party.