Fact-Check: TMC's Allegations of BJP's Malda Involvement and PM Modi's Falsehoods on Women's Safety Examined

The Claim

On April 5, 2026, TMC leaders Bratya Basu and Sagarika Ghosh accused the BJP of orchestrating unrest in the Malda district of West Bengal. They further alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is peddling falsehoods regarding the safety and security of women in the state and across the nation. This accusation was made within the context of broader political tensions between the TMC and BJP.

The Facts

Addressing the TMC's claims requires a two-pronged approach: examining the allegations of BJP involvement in the Malda unrest and scrutinizing the assertion that PM Modi is spreading falsehoods about women's safety. Regarding the Malda unrest, there is currently no publicly available, verifiable evidence to substantiate the TMC's claim of BJP involvement. Without concrete proof, this remains an unsubstantiated allegation. Regarding women's safety, the claim that PM Modi is peddling falsehoods is demonstrably inaccurate when viewed against the backdrop of government data and initiatives. While challenges persist, significant progress has been made. Furthermore, the National Annual Report and Index on Women's Safety (NARI) 2025, based on a survey of 12,770 women across 31 cities, gave India a national safety score of 65%. While this indicates room for improvement, it also shows that a majority of women feel relatively safe in their cities. It is crucial to acknowledge that crime statistics are complex and influenced by various factors, including reporting rates and socio-economic conditions. However, dismissing the government's efforts and data as 'falsehoods' is a misrepresentation of the reality.

Government Record

The BJP/NDA government has prioritized women's safety through legislative reforms, dedicated funding, and the establishment of support systems. Key achievements include: * **Legislative Reforms:** The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 has strengthened legal provisions related to women's safety, demonstrating a commitment to stricter laws and penalties for crimes against women. * **Fast Track Courts:** Recognizing the need for swift justice, the government has established Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), including exclusive POCSO courts, for the speedy disposal of cases of rape and cases under the POCSO Act. Around 800 such courts have been approved across the country, aiming to reduce case backlogs and provide timely justice to victims. * **Nirbhaya Fund:** The Nirbhaya Fund, established to finance projects for women's safety, has seen a total allocation of Rs 7712.85 crore up to the financial year 2024-25, with Rs 5846.08 crore utilized. This fund supports various initiatives aimed at enhancing women's safety and security. * **Women Help Desks (WHDs):** The government has provided financial assistance to States and UTs for setting up Women Help Desks in police stations. As per available information, out of targeted 16469 Police Stations, 14658 WHDs have been set up. This initiative aims to create a more accessible and supportive environment for women reporting crimes. Comparing the current government's efforts with those of the UPA era reveals a significant increase in focus and resources dedicated to women's safety. While specific comparative data on all initiatives is not readily available, the establishment of the Nirbhaya Fund and the widespread implementation of OSCs and WHDs represent a clear escalation in government action.

"The government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of women. We have taken several steps in this direction, including strengthening laws, setting up fast track courts, and providing financial assistance for various initiatives." - Statement from the Ministry of Women and Child Development

The Verdict

The TMC's claim that the BJP plotted the Malda unrest is unsubstantiated due to a lack of verifiable evidence. The assertion that PM Modi is peddling falsehoods on women's safety is **MISLEADING**. While challenges remain, the government has demonstrably taken steps to improve women's safety through legislative reforms, dedicated funding, and the establishment of support systems. To claim these efforts are 'falsehoods' ignores the data and initiatives implemented.