Does Anubrata Mondal think political power gives him the right to insult women?
A political firestorm has erupted in West Bengal after an audio clip allegedly featuring senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Anubrata Mondal went viral, in which he is purportedly heard making abusive and derogatory remarks about women, targeting the wife and mother of a police officer. Though the authenticity of the clip is yet to be independently verified, the political fallout has been swift and severe.
BJP MLAs, led by Sumita Sinha, staged a protest outside the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, demanding Mondal’s immediate arrest. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also taken cognizance of the matter, calling it “shameful” and initiating an official inquiry. Meanwhile, Mondal has issued a written apology, and the police have registered an FIR under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The issue has ignited intense debate around political accountability, women’s dignity, and the alleged shielding of influential leaders by ruling parties.
BJP Mounts Pressure, NCW Initiates Inquiry Amid Outrage Over Mondal Remarks
#WATCH | Kolkata | BJP MLAs hold protest outside West Bengal Legislative Assembly demanding the arrest of TMC leader Anubrata Mondal over his alleged derogatory remarks against women
— ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2025
BJP MLA Sumita Sinha says, "We are demanding Anubrata Mondal's arrest for his derogatory remarks… pic.twitter.com/VWSIwx11s8
The BJP’s protest, led by MLAs including Sumita Sinha and Suvendu Adhikari, focused on demanding strict action against Anubrata Mondal. The party accused the TMC government of attempting to protect Mondal despite his offensive remarks, which they called “despicable” and “insulting to women across Bengal.” BJP leaders also alleged that they were prevented from raising the issue within the Assembly, pushing them to take the matter directly to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of Opposition, argued that similar conduct in any other state would have led to immediate arrest, and accused the TMC of maintaining double standards when it comes to gender issues.
Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) condemned the content of the audio clip and confirmed that it has written to the Director General of Police (DGP) demanding an explanation. An official inquiry has been launched, and the NCW has stated that such behavior is unacceptable and warrants the highest level of accountability, especially from senior political figures.
TMC Condemns Language, Mondal Apologizes, Police Investigation Ongoing
Facing growing backlash, the Trinamool Congress distanced itself from Mondal’s remarks, calling them “unacceptable” and demanding an unconditional apology. The party warned of potential disciplinary action if Mondal failed to comply. Shortly after, Mondal issued a written apology, claiming he never intended to insult any individual and expressed regret for the tone used in the phone call.
Despite initially evading police summons citing health issues, Mondal has since appeared before the authorities. The FIR registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has intensified the legal process. Investigators are currently examining the authenticity of the clip, and further questioning is expected.
While the TMC maintains that legal action will follow due process, the controversy has added strain to the party’s image, especially on women’s safety and political decorum. The issue is now at the intersection of law, politics, and public sentiment, with both sides locked in a battle over justice, accountability, and narrative control.
