With an eye on the 2026 Assembly elections, the CPI-M has announced plans to set up a Mahila Brigade across north Bengal districts after Durga Puja.
State CPI-M secretary Md. Salim told reporters here that the Mahila Brigade has been formed to ensure women’s self-protection and empower them to act collectively. The units will begin functioning in their respective areas after the festive season, he said.
Party leaders said the idea emerged in the wake of rising attacks on women, including the “Abhaya” incident linked to RG Kar Medical College. The brigade’s objective will be to reach out to local communities, identify everyday social issues, and mobilise women to address them.
Political observers see the move as a counter to the state government’s ongoing outreach programme, Amader Para, Amader Samadhan (APAS). “APAS is just a publicity stunt when there is no employment, no 100-day work, and high school dropout rates. Will APAS resolve these?” Md. Salim asked.
He added that the CPI-M has also taken up initiatives to protect rivers and the environment, criticising alleged illegal sand and boulder mining. During his visit to Farakka on Thursday, Salim, along with party leaders from Murshidabad and Malda, submitted a memorandum to the Farakka Barrage Project (FBP) authorities on erosion and flood issues.
According to Salim, the FBP earlier maintained at least 40 km of embankments on both sides of the barrage but now maintains only 8 km on one side and 12 km on the other. “Embankments are being built with sand only and get breached every year, inundating vast areas,” he said. Bhutni Diara under Manikchak Block in Malda is one example where people have been badly affected, he added.