‘I salute the Sundarbans village for supporting Riya and Rakhi,’ says Abhishek Banerjee as TMC felicitates same-sex marriage
Two young women in their early twenties married each other last week at the Paler Chak Temple in Jalaberia, after the residents of their village came together in support.
Defying social norms, two young women in their early twenties married each other last week, at the Paler Chak Temple in Jalaberia, Kultali block of the Sundarbans.
Riya Sardar and Rakhi Naskar, both professional dancers, met two years ago. When their families learned about their relationship, they tried to separate them. However, villagers came forward in support, and helped the couple solemnise their union through a social ceremony.
On Monday, Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee lauded both the couple and the villagers for their courage and compassion. “I congratulate Riya and Rakhi for their marriage. I really liked that in the Sundarbans, history has been created with this marriage. Riya and Rakhi are very brave. They must have faced several hurdles in going against social norms. Through their love and commitment, they have proved that love knows no boundaries of gender, caste, creed, religion, or society,” Banerjee said.
“They knew that society would pose hurdles, but they did not back down. I salute them for their courage, and I applaud the villagers who supported them. They are an example for society. This village has created history by breaking traditional bonds. It is a matter of pride for the village, the district, the state, and the country. You have proved that what is most important is mankind,” he added.
Speaking to The Indian Express, TMC MP Bapi Haldar said, “We are very proud of them. The entire village accepting them is a very big thing in itself. Breaking all social boundaries, the couple got married and the village also accepted them and held a social ceremony — that itself says a lot.”
The couple exchanged garlands and vows in a small ceremony marked by songs and dance. Sardar dressed as a groom, and Naskar as a bride.
Speaking to the media, they said, “We faced hurdles from our families, but now we are grateful to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee for his support.”
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Riya Sardar was forced to leave her home after her aunt and uncle disapproved of her sexual orientation. Her parents had passed away many years ago, and she had been brought up by her aunt and uncle.
Tanusree Bose is a dedicated journalist reporting for The Indian Express from Kolkata. Her work focuses sharply on the complex administrative, political, and judicial developments across West Bengal, establishing her as an authoritative voice in regional news coverage.
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