“Navaratna Business Excellence Award 2025”, Minister Dr. Shashi Panja Slams BJP MP Over Offensive Remarks Against TMC Leader Mahua Moitra
Asansol: The Navaratna Business Excellence Award 2025, organized by the South Bengal Federation of Commerce and Industries, was held at a banquet hall near Chitra Cinema, Burnpur, Asansol.
The event was inaugurated with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony by West Bengal’s Law and Labour Minister Moloy Ghatak, Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Minister Dr. Shashi Panja, ADDA Chairman Kabi Dutta, Asansol Deputy Mayor Abhijit Ghatak, Mayor-in-Council member Gurudas “Rocket” Chattopadhyay, along with other dignitaries including VK Dhal and Sachin Ray.
During the event, Minister Dr. Shashi Panja strongly criticized BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri for his offensive remarks against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra. She said this proves how the Bharatiya Janata Party views women. According to her, if the BJP truly disagreed with Ramesh Bidhuri’s statement, the party would have already sought an explanation from him or distanced itself from the remarks. Since nothing has been done, it shows that this is not only Bidhuri’s opinion but also reflects the position of the entire BJP.
Dr. Panja added that this is not surprising as it is part of BJP’s culture. She said the party does not know how to respect women. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she recalled how he made objectionable comments about Bengal’s woman Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during the last elections. She warned that if BJP continues to insult women, the people of Bengal will reject them even more strongly.
Calling BJP leaders “seasonal birds,” she said they only come to Bengal during elections. With the 2026 elections approaching, BJP leaders are again visiting the state, but their continuous insults towards women will not be forgiven by the people.
On the recent all-party meeting called by the State Election Commissioner regarding booth arrangements, Dr. Panja said Trinamool representatives attended and placed their views. She stressed that if additional booths are set up, they should be located keeping voters’ convenience in mind.
Regarding the SSC teacher recruitment case, Dr. Panja declined to comment in detail and said the state government is following the directions of the High Court and the Supreme Court.