Kolkata: Trinamool Congress (TMC) convenor and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of discriminating against Muslims in India after engaging warmly with leaders of Saudi Arabia and the UAE abroad.
Speaking during Eid celebrations on Red Road, Banerjee said, “We will not allow Modi ji to snatch our rights. You go to Saudi Arabia and shake hands, go to Dubai and embrace their leaders it doesn’t matter if they are Hindus or Muslims. But when you return to India, you start deleting names, labeling them as infiltrators. I would say you and your government are the biggest infiltrators.”
Banerjee also addressed the political climate in Bengal, stating, “Today you are controlling the state government. President Rule is going on here. But even then, we won’t get scared. Those who fight, become successful. Those who target Bengal may go to hell.”
Meanwhile, BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari, contesting from Bhabanipur against Banerjee, began his campaign by offering prayers at the Kalighat temple on Saturday. Adhikari emphasised protection of Hindus, Adivasis, and women, urging an end to attacks on temples, idols, and saffron-clad monks. “West Bengal, the homeland of Bengali Hindus, should stay well. May Goddess Kali give me the strength,” he told reporters.
The remarks from both leaders underscore the heated political atmosphere in West Bengal ahead of the upcoming elections.