As one of India’s longest-serving female Chief Ministers, Mamata Banerjee has undeniably carved a place for herself in the political landscape of West Bengal and the nation. Banerjee’s initial struggle as a woman representative not only brought her to power but also opened the doors for other women to rise in the ranks within her party, the Trinamool Congress. Despite critics lauding her women-centric schemes, with promises of upliftment, financial support and security for women, the reality on the ground tells a more complex story. While women lawmakers from her party have gained prominence, the stark contrast between the progressive promises and the on-the-ground realities for women—ranging from rising crime rates to socio-economic challenges—raises critical questions about the true i...