West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today spoke about Bangladesh in the Assembly
Calcutta:
Amid growing tension between New Delhi and Dhaka, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today asked the media and political leaders to remain calm and ensure that provocative comments do not affect peace in the border state.
Addressing the Assembly, the Trinamool Congress chief said that everyone is concerned about the atrocities against Hindu minorities in the neighboring country. “Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs or Christians do not start riots. Antisocial elements cause riots. We should not make any comment that will create a bad situation in Bengal. I am happy that both Hindus and the Muslim minority are protesting here against atrocities in Bangladesh. This shows our secular nature,” she said.
She said minority leaders wanted to organize a rally. “I asked them not to do that. Many people use this as an opportunity. They would start another riot. We don't want riots, we want peace. Hindus and Muslims, Sikhs and Christians have the same blood,” Ms Banerjee said.
She called on some of the media to exercise restraint in their reporting on the situation in Bangladesh. “This is not Uttar Pradesh or Rajasthan where we will ban or arrest you. But I request you. There are many fake videos doing the rounds. A political party is trying to fan a fire. Both the communities should be vigilant against this,” she said. . “Those who are thinking of politicizing this should remember that this will also hurt your state and your friends there,” she said.
The Bangladeshi Prime Minister said many people from Bangladesh want to enter the border state. “The BSF is watching. We will not comment on this. Those with money come by planes or trains, but the poor cannot. We do not regulate the border. Let them (center). We do not interfere in issues of Foreign Affairs (Ministry),” she said.
“Let us show the Bengalis on the other side a sense of nationalism, compassion and affection,” she said.
Ms Banerjee also responded to some provocative comments from across the border. A leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party recently criticized India, saying that Dhaka would claim Bengal, Bihar and Odisha. Another viral video showed two Bangladesh Army veterans claiming that soldiers from neighboring country could occupy Bengal within days. “You will occupy Bengal, Bihar and Odisha, and we will have lollipops? Don't even think that,” Ms Banerjee said today.
The Chief Minister's comments hold political significance against the backdrop of Bengal's political landscape. The BJP and its top state leader Suvendu Adhikari have launched a campaign in view of the situation in Bangladesh. Mr Adhikari has been leading protests against atrocities against Bangladesh's Hindu minorities, apparently to consolidate support within the majority community in Bengal. Ms Banerjee's comments, which do not mention the Leader of the Opposition or the BJP, are an attempt to downplay the opposition's main campaign while portraying the ruling party as calm and subdued amid volatile tempers.
