KOLKATA: “I will resign as CM if you can prove that I have links with terror outfits or am associated with Muslim League,” CM Mamata Banerjee said in the state assembly on Tuesday, countering BJP’s allegations.
“I was accused of disrespecting Hinduism and supporting Muslim League. After all my struggles, I have to hear that I have links with terrorists from Jammu and Kashmir and Bangladesh. I will write to the PM, and if he can prove any link with terrorists, I will step down as chief minister,” she said as her party colleagues chanted “chhi chhi (shame shame)”.
Banerjee added, “There is no place for mafia in Bengal. We do not harbour terrorists or rioters. It’s better to die than be accused of having ties with terrorists.”
The CM’s comments, during the motion of thanks, were in response to allegations made by leader of opposition Suvendu Adhikari outside the House on Monday after his 30-day suspension. A privilege motion was moved in the assembly against Adhikari for his comments even as BJP members boycotted the session on Tuesday.
Addressing Adhikari directly, the CM said, “I saw the video of what you said outside the assembly yesterday. You claimed you were expelled for speaking about Hinduism. Since when did you become a leader of Hinduism?” She added, “You (BJP) sell religion to divide the country. We do not. Remember that because we believe in democracy in Bengal, everyone is allowed to speak. But we will not tolerate division in the name of religion.”
How can a religion with roots in age-old Vedas lose its values so easily, asks Didi
CM Banerjee said she was hurt by how some BJP netas accused her of demeaning the Hindu religion. “Is Hindu religion so cheap? How can a religion that has its roots in age-old Vedas and was propagated by Swami Vivekananda as a universal religion lose its values so easily? I never boast about my religion. But I am a Hindu and my father was a freedom fighter who taught me Chandipath. I still worship three times a day, I organise Kali puja at my home and there is a Shiv mandir on my premises. But I am proud not only as a Hindu but as a believer of all faiths,” she said.
Countering BJP’s allegations that Saraswati Puja was not being allowed in Bengal, the CM said the puja was held as usual at clubs, homes, schools, colleges and other institutions across the state. “There was a small problem at one place (Jogesh Chandra Chowdhury College) and the matter even reached the HC, following which two pujas were held in the complex. But they (BJP) still held on to that one issue in their attempt to malign me and Bengal. All festivals are celebrated here with equal fervour, be it Saraswati Puja, Durga Puja, Dol, Shivratri, Eid or Christmas.”
Responding to BJP’s allegations of two holidays on the occasion of Shab e Baraat, the CM said the party in opposition raises questions but does not have the courage to listen to answers, which is why they were not present in the house.
“One leave was for Shab e Baraat and the other to mark the birth anniversary of Panchanan Barma,” she explained and added, “You need the Rajbangshis for votes but won’t respect their leader and tradition.” The CM said despite her “fitting response” their would still be grievances and added, “All I pray is that we don’t divide nations in the name of religion. Let us all live in peace, practising any religion we want.”
