'Shakti Swaroopa': PM Modi Dials Sandeshkhali Protester Rekha Patra, BJP's Basirhat Candidate

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday dialled Rekha Patra, the BJP candidate from Basirhat and one of the Sandeshkhali victims, and spoke to her about campaign preparations. The Prime Minister also called her ‘Shakti Swaroopa’. Patra’s candidature is seen as a strong statement from the BJP in support of the women of Sandeshkhali and West Bengal.

‘If we were allowed to vote freely…’

During the conversation with PM Modi, Rekha highlighted that the situation in Sandeshkhali wouldn’t have prevailed “if we were allowed to vote freely”.

“…The situation in Sandeshkhali has been a matter of concern since 2011. If we were allowed to vote freely then this situation would not have prevailed…I want to protect the honour of the people here…This fight will continue…” she said.

The BJP Lok Sabha candidate further stressed “no enmity” towards some TMC women supporters who were “against my candidature”.

“We will fight for all…We will try and make sure that the honour is returned,” Rekha said.

BJP had released its candidate list for 19 seats in West Bengal on Sunday for the Lok Sabha elections, fielding protester Rekha Patra from the high-stakes Basirhat constituency under which falls the Sandeshkhali area.

Rekha Patra, a housewife, is reportedly a victim of torture and harassment by now-suspended TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his associates.

Speaking to News18, Patra said she would continue to fight for the women of Sandeshkhali. “I am thankful to Narendra Modi and the BJP for giving me a ticket. I will always stand by the women of Sandeshkhali and protest for them. I will be their voice,” she said.

Her nomination even triggered early Holi celebrations in Sandeshkhali on Sunday. “We are very happy that a woman from among us who spoke and stood against injustice will be leading us,” Subhankar, a local, told News18.