Ratna Debnath, mother of the victim in the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case, has entered electoral politics by contesting the Panihati Assembly seat as a candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party. She said her decision to step into the political arena is driven by a larger fight for “people’s rights and women’s safety”, while also vowing to seek justice for her daughter.
Speaking to reporters, Debnath described her candidature as “a victory for the people of Panihati”, stating that the election outcome should reflect the will of the public rather than personal ambition. “I will not win the poll battle; the people of Panihati will win,” she said.
She criticised the state government, alleging a failure to protect basic rights. According to her, “the right to education, health, and the basic rights of the people” have been undermined. Emphasising women’s safety, she said equal rights must be ensured for all. Referring to her daughter’s death, Debnath said, “You know that my daughter was killed on duty… Since then, many incidents have taken place here.”
Announcing the beginning of her campaign, she appealed to voters for support, saying she had “nothing” to gain personally. “I am zero now… I will request them to stand by me,” she said.
Debnath also urged voters to give the BJP a chance in the state, arguing that people have already experienced 15 years under the current government. She maintained that securing justice for her daughter remains central to her campaign. “I will get justice for my daughter’s death; nobody can stop this,” she said, while alleging that evidence had been removed “at the behest of the Chief Minister”.
The state is scheduled to go to the polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting set for May 4.
The RG Kar incident, which occurred on August 9, 2024, involved the death of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor found inside a seminar room at the hospital in Kolkata. The case sparked nationwide protests and demands for accountability. Following concerns raised by the Calcutta High Court over the initial investigation, the probe was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation, which has since made multiple arrests.
