Kolkata: Arun Halder, the chairperson of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), conveyed on Friday that the commission has presented a report to President Droupadi Murmu. The report suggests the imposition of President's Rule in West Bengal, citing purported harassment of women by Trinamool Congress supporters in Sandeshkhali.

Mr. Halder expressed concern about the perceived collaboration between the administration and criminals in creating unrest in the region. He highlighted that, as per Article 338 of the Constitution, if the State government fails to protect a particular section of the population, President's Rule can be considered. West Bengal, with the second-highest population of Scheduled Castes, is witnessing the forceful deprivation of their property and rights, according to the NCSC chairman.

During his visit to Sandeshkhali, Mr. Halder engaged with the predominantly Scheduled Castes and other backward communities residing there. In contrast, the State BJP leadership, including spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, disagreed with the NCSC's recommendation, emphasizing their opposition to removing an elected government through the imposition of President's Rule.

State Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury accused both the BJP and Trinamool of attempting to polarize the state ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. He asserted that President's Rule would not be imposed in West Bengal, drawing parallels with a similar situation before the 2021 Assembly election, which he claimed benefited both parties electorally.

Trinamool Congress spokesperson Santanu Sen dismissed the statements made by the NCSC chairperson, alleging that every commission has become a BJP offshoot.

In addition to the NCSC, a team from the National Commission for Women visited Sandeshkhali. Despite allegations of torture and sexual assault against local Trinamool Congress leaders, the West Bengal Police stated that no reports of rape have been received. The region has been tense, with villagers attacking the properties of Trinamool leaders accused, including Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates, who are currently at large.