West Bengal CM slams alleged harassment of women during poll-time checks, raises Kanchan Mallick wife incident at Khandaghosh rally
By TRH Political Desk
Kolkata, April 12, 2026 — West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee erupted in anger at an election rally in Khandaghosh, targeting what she described as indecent and humiliating searches of women’s personal belongings during election-related checks ahead of the state assembly polls.
Speaking in an impassioned address, Banerjee alleged that women were being subjected to invasive searches in the name of routine bag and vehicle checks — with their personal and intimate items being pulled out, examined and listed in what she called a deliberate act of humiliation.
“They are opening women’s bags and pulling out what women use — things that are too embarrassing to name — and making lists of them. Have you no shame?” she said, her voice rising. “Are you going to wear their lipstick? Are you going to use what women use,” she asked.
Banerjee referred specifically to an incident involving the wife of actor-politician Kanchan Mallick, saying harassment had taken place the previous day during a vehicle check. “You can open a car and check it, that is within your rights. But why would you pull out and list what women carry in their bags?” she demanded. She also cited the case of an elderly woman from her own Bhowanipore constituency — describing her as belonging to a well-respected family — who she said was harassed when her vehicle was searched.
The Chief Minister’s remarks were a pointed attack on central forces and opposition-linked elements whom she accused of crossing a line from security checks into deliberate intimidation of women. “Those doing this — I am warning you — women will file complaints. Every one of you has the right to lodge a grievance,” she said, directly urging women voters to speak up.
West Bengal assembly polls are scheduled in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with vote counting on May 4. Banerjee is contesting from her Bhowanipore stronghold and is seeking a fourth consecutive term for her Trinamool Congress government. The women’s vote — long considered a core TMC constituency — is widely seen as crucial to the outcome.
The Khandaghosh rally remarks are expected to sharpen the campaign’s gender dimension in its final stretch, with Banerjee positioning herself as the defender of women’s dignity against what she characterised as authoritarian and shameless overreach.
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FAQ
Q: What did Mamata Banerjee say about women’s bag searches?
A: At a Khandaghosh rally, she accused authorities of pulling out women’s personal and intimate items during election checks and listing them — calling it deliberate humiliation and demanding accountability.
Q: What is the Kanchan Mallick bag check controversy?
A: Mamata alleged that Kanchan Mallick’s wife was harassed during a bag check the previous day — using it as an example of the alleged pattern of intimidation against women.
Q: When are West Bengal elections 2026?
A: Polling is scheduled in two phases — April 23 and April 29, 2026 — with results on May 4.
Q: Why is the women’s vote important in Bengal 2026?
A: Women voters are considered a core Trinamool Congress constituency. Banerjee has consistently championed women-centric welfare schemes and is framing the final campaign around women’s safety and dignity.
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