PM Modi Talks To Sandeshkhali Victim And BJP's Basirhat Candidate Rekha Patra, Calls Her 'Shakti Swarupa'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised Rekha Patra, the Bharatiya Janata Party's candidate for the Basirhat Lok Sabha seat, referring to her as a 'Shakti Swaroopa' as per a report by Hindustan Times.

During a telephone conversation on Tuesday (26 March), Prime Minister Modi inquired about Patra's campaign in Basirhat and her support for the BJP.

Patra also recounted the challenges faced by the victims of the Sandeshkhali incident.

"You have fought a significant battle in Sandeshkhali, and you are a symbol of strength. Your actions have led to the imprisonment of powerful individuals. You have displayed great courage," the prime minister said in the conversation.

Shakti is a term in Hinduism associated with goddesses such as Durga and Kali.

Patra responded, "I was able to do it because of the support from women. I will follow the path they have shown me and will unite everyone."

The prime minister assured her of full support as the BJP candidate.

"Speaking up for the women of Sandeshkhali is extraordinary. Your bravery indicates that the women's power in Bengal will support us. I urge you to inform people about the initiatives undertaken by the Centre. The people of Bengal are tired of the TMC government, which obstructs the implementation of central schemes in the state," the prime minister told Patra.

Sandeshkhali, a village in North 24 Parganas, gained attention when a team of Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials investigating a ration scam was attacked by supporters of local TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan.

Last month, hundreds of women protested, accusing Shahjahan and his associates of land grabbing and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali.

As the protests intensified, the TMC suspended Shahjahan from the party for six years. After evading police for two months, he was arrested on February 29 and later handed over to the CBI following a Calcutta High Court order.

Also read - From West Bengal To Kerala: Two Women Who Once Were Humiliated, Now Are BJP Candidates; Here Are Their Brief Profiles