Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has announced that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would set up a special women safety initiative called the “Durga Squad” if it comes to power in West Bengal, promising stronger protection measures for women across the state.
Addressing a political rally ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, Singh said the proposed initiative would focus on rapid response to crimes against women, improved coordination with police forces, and faster grievance redressal mechanisms. He said the aim is to create a “fear-free environment” where women can move safely at all hours.
According to his statement, the “Durga Squad” would be a dedicated team trained to respond quickly to emergencies involving women’s safety. He added that the unit would work in coordination with local police stations and would be equipped with modern communication systems to ensure swift action in distress situations.
Singh criticised the current state administration in West Bengal, alleging that law and order conditions have deteriorated and that incidents involving women’s safety are not being handled effectively. He claimed that the ruling government has failed to instill confidence among citizens, particularly women and families.
He further stated that the BJP’s governance model would prioritize women’s security as a core policy area, alongside employment generation and infrastructure development. Singh emphasized that empowering women through safety and independence is essential for overall social progress.
The announcement quickly drew political attention, with supporters of the BJP welcoming the proposal as a strong step toward addressing women’s safety concerns. They argued that specialized units can improve response time and deter crime.
However, critics from opposition parties questioned the practicality of the proposal, calling it a political promise ahead of elections. They argued that existing law enforcement systems should be strengthened instead of introducing new squads, and accused the BJP of making symbolic announcements for electoral gain.
West Bengal has been witnessing intense political campaigning in recent weeks, with parties focusing heavily on issues such as women’s safety, employment, corruption, and development. Security and governance have emerged as key themes in the electoral debate.
As the campaign intensifies, the “Durga Squad” announcement has added a new dimension to the political discourse in the state, with both supporters and critics debating its feasibility and impact. Further responses from state leaders are expected in the coming days as the election atmosphere heats up.
