Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Mar 12: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stirred controversy in the Assembly on Wednesday, alleging that certain groups were intentionally targeting the Muslim community during the holy month of Ramzan.
"Some people are deliberately choosing Ramzan to hurt Muslims. However, our minority brothers and sisters should not worry—the unity of all religions will prevail," Banerjee asserted while addressing the House during the ongoing Budget session.
Her remarks came amid heightened tensions in the Assembly, with Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislators protesting against what they described as "offensive" comments made by Leader of Opposition (LoP) Suvendu Adhikari. On Tuesday, Adhikari reportedly made statements outside the Assembly gate that were seen as derogatory towards the minority MLAs of the ruling party.
As Banerjee spoke, the atmosphere grew heated, with verbal clashes erupting between TMC and BJP legislators. The Chief Minister directly accused the BJP of exploiting religious sentiments for political mileage.
"Religion teaches us humanity above all. Yet, you people consistently use communal politics for narrow gains. I don’t need a certificate from you to prove my faith—I am a Hindu, and I know my beliefs," Banerjee retorted.
She further criticized the BJP for allegedly attempting to divide Bengal along religious lines.
"Don’t insult Bengal’s heritage. Don’t try to create divisions in the name of religion. Why doesn’t your party field Muslim candidates in elections? In my party, nearly 79% of candidates are Hindus, and we ensure strong representation of women as well. The crow is now trying to pose as a peacock," she quipped.
Without directly naming Adhikari, Banerjee took a dig at the opposition leader, calling him a political opportunist.
"It’s best to ignore him. He left Congress because he saw no future there. He joined TMC and later betrayed us to join the BJP. Who knows? Soon, he might switch to another party," she said.
Responding to Banerjee, BJP Chief Whip Shankar Ghosh accused her of hypocrisy, claiming she remained silent when her own ministers made anti-Hindu statements.
"Many of her senior Muslim Cabinet members have openly attacked Hindus, yet no action is ever taken against them," Ghosh alleged.
Following the heated debate, BJP legislators staged a walkout and led a protest outside the Assembly, with Adhikari at the forefront.