Bengal CM Claims Ramzan Month is Targeted to Harm Muslims
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Synopsis
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated in the Assembly that the month of Ramzan is being deliberately chosen by some individuals to hurt Muslims. She emphasized the importance of unity among all faiths during a tense session marked by protests and political accusations.
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee addresses accusations regarding the Ramzan month.
- Claims that certain groups are exploiting religion for political gain.
- Defends the representation of minorities in her party.
- Engages in heated exchanges with BJP legislators.
- Calls for unity among all religions.
Kolkata, March 12 (NationPress) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Wednesday, made a highly sensitive statement on the floor of the Assembly when she asserted that the Ramzan month is being intentionally selected by certain individuals to harm Muslims.
"The Ramzan month is being purposefully targeted by some to inflict pain on the Muslims. However, individuals from minority communities should remain assured. The unity of all faiths will triumph," the Chief Minister stated while addressing the Assembly during the third day of the second round of the Budget session here on Wednesday afternoon.
Tension filled the Assembly since Chief Minister Banerjee's arrival, with Trinamool Congress lawmakers protesting against some "reportedly offensive" remarks made by the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, regarding the minority MLAs of the ruling Trinamool Congress while speaking to the media at the Assembly entrance on Tuesday.
Even as the Chief Minister began her address, her speech was interrupted by a heated and loud exchange between the Trinamool Congress and BJP legislators.
At one point, Chief Minister Banerjee accused the BJP legislators of utilizing communal tactics in politics.
"Humanity is the greatest lesson of religion. Yet, you always resort to the communal card in politics. Please refrain from exploiting religion for narrow political interests. I am a Hindu myself. I do not require a certificate from you for that," she asserted.
She also charged the BJP with disrespecting Bengal's traditions.
"Do not insult Bengal. Do not attempt to fracture Bengal in the name of religion. Why don’t you field Muslim candidates in elections? Nearly 79 percent of my party's candidates in any election are Hindus. We also have a significant number of women candidates. The crow is trying to masquerade as a peacock now," the Chief Minister remarked.
During her address, the Chief Minister launched a fierce critique against the Leader of Opposition without directly naming him.
"It is preferable to disregard him (LoP Suvendu Adhikari). He joined Trinamool Congress realizing he had no future in Congress. Subsequently, he joined the BJP after sowing confusion within Trinamool Congress. Soon, he will receive a joining request from another party," CM Banerjee added.
In his turn to speak, the Chief Whip of the BJP's Legislative Party in the Assembly, Shankar Ghosh, stated that the Chief Minister chose to remain silent when many of her prominent Muslim Cabinet members attacked Hindus regularly.
"No action is taken against such Ministers," Ghosh commented.
Later, the BJP legislators walked out and conducted a sit-in protest at the Assembly gate led by the Leader of the Opposition.
