West Bengal Chief Minister’s Remarks on BJP Draw Strong Reactions from Assam and Central Leaders
Kolkata, August 29, 2024-West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is under intense scrutiny following her recent address on the foundation day of the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad, where she delivered a vehement critique of the BJP and its leadership. Banerjee’s comments come amid severe criticism and widespread protests regarding the handling of the rape and murder case of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
During her speech, Banerjee alleged that the BJP seeks to destabilize West Bengal, warning that if the state were to be engulfed in violence, other regions such as Assam, the North-East, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Delhi would also be affected. She declared, “If Bengal is set on fire, Assam, North-East, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Delhi will also burn. We will topple your chair.”
BJP Leaders Condemn Banerjee’s Remarks
In response, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized Banerjee’s statements, asserting that her comments were threatening and divisive. Sarma wrote on X, “Didi, how dare you threaten Assam? Don’t show us red eyes. Don’t even try to burn India with your politics of failure. It does not suit you to speak divisive language.”
Union Minister and Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar also condemned Banerjee’s remarks, suggesting they reflected an “anti-national” mindset rather than that of a responsible leader. BJP leader Piyush Hazarika echoed this sentiment, stating, “She cannot threaten us. I seriously condemn her statement. As long as there is a BJP government in Assam and Himanta Biswa Sarma is the Chief Minister, Mamata cannot do anything in Assam.”
Protests Continue Over Kolkata Case
The controversy surrounding Banerjee’s speech is intertwined with ongoing protests across West Bengal over the handling of the tragic case involving a trainee doctor. The victim, who was affiliated with Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, was found dead on August 9. Since then, there have been protests by junior doctors, students, and citizens demanding justice.
In her speech, Banerjee criticized the BJP’s alleged attempts to incite violence during the protests and the bandh (strike) that followed. She also made a comparative remark about Bangladesh, noting the cultural similarities but emphasizing that India and Bangladesh are distinct nations.
The escalating tensions reflect the broader political struggle and public unrest in West Bengal, with Banerjee’s comments adding fuel to the already heated situation.