Kolkata, June 29 -- Amid mounting protests over recent gang rape cases in West Bengal, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kunal Ghosh on Sunday hit back at Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's remarks against the TMC government, asserting that the state remains one of the "safest places for women" in the country.

Responding to Pradhan's demand to "free" West Bengal from TMC rule, Ghosh accused the Union Minister of ignoring atrocities against women in BJP-ruled states.

"Tell Dharmendra Pradhan to talk about crimes against women in places like Unnao, Hathras, Prayagraj, and Delhi first... Police take action in West Bengal. Social crimes have lessened in the state. This is the safest state for women," the TMC leader said.

The remarks came ho...