KOLKATA: One of the forefront petitioners against Triple Talaq, Ishrat Jehan has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal. Party's state unit general secretary Sayantan Basu said Ishrat joined the BJP at the party's Howrah office. Some sources said she was felicitated by the Howrah BJP unit and inducted into the party.
Speaking to the media, she said she would work for the women's rights in the future. “I was a victim of triple talaq. From lower court to upper court, I approached everywhere. Finally, I got the justice. I am very happy that Modiji introduced the triple talaq bill. This is why I have joined BJP. I will work for the women's right in the future.” She said she never received any support from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her fight against the practice. “Mamataji being a woman, should support me but I never got any help or support from her. Modiji made a revolutionary law in the interest of victims, I was very happy. I will work in the party's women wing.”
Ishrat was one of the primary petitioners in the triple talaq case, after her husband had divorced her over the phone from Dubai in 2014 by uttering 'talaq' thrice. The controversial practice was struck down by the Supreme Court on August 22. After the ruling, the Lok Sabha passed the Muslim Women Bill 2017, making instant triple talaq illegal with up to three years in jail for the husband. The bill is currently scheduled to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha for passage before it is forwarded to the President for signing in law.
