Is Mamata Banerjee Inciting Riots Ahead of the 2026 Bengal Elections?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BJP accuses Mamata Banerjee of inciting communal riots.
- Mamata's silence on controversial remarks raises concerns.
- Political tensions escalating ahead of the 2026 elections.
- BJP emphasizes the need for law and order in West Bengal.
- Accusations highlight the ongoing rivalry between TMC and BJP.
New Delhi, Dec 20 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its criticism of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that she is intentionally inciting riots between Hindu and Muslim communities through her communal approaches, as she anticipates a significant loss for the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the forthcoming 2026 state Assembly elections.
During a press briefing at the BJP's headquarters, National Spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia expressed concern over Banerjee's lack of response to controversial statements made by TMC MLA Madan Mitra, who purportedly stated that "Lord Ram was a Muslim, not Hindu".
"Millions of Hindus have been profoundly offended by such unacceptable comments, yet Mamata Banerjee has chosen to remain silent," Bhatia remarked.
He sought clarity on whether the Chief Minister had taken disciplinary measures against Mitra, such as removing him from the TMC or pursuing legal action against him.
"Her inaction and silence indicate that she (Mamata Banerjee) is engaging in communal politics and wishes to incite riots between Hindus and Muslims," the spokesperson charged.
Bhatia further alleged that CM Banerjee has been directing TMC members to make such provocative remarks to win over a specific community and secure votes ahead of the elections.
"She (CM Banerjee) understands that her party is on a path to defeat next year, prompting her to adopt divisive strategies," he claimed.
As the leader of the state's Home department, Bhatia underscored that it is Banerjee's constitutional obligation to uphold law and order and maintain peace.
"It's her duty to enforce strict consequences for anyone making communal statements, regardless of their political affiliation," he concluded.
The BJP spokesperson referenced past episodes to highlight what he termed Banerjee's pattern of appeasement politics.
He recalled a 2019 occurrence where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee allegedly reacted negatively to being greeted with 'Jai Shri Ram', and her reported description of the Maha Kumbh as 'Mrityu Kumbh'.
"Why does Mamata Banerjee and her party members display a lack of respect for Hindu beliefs and deities? Do they possess the courage to make similar objectionable remarks about other religions?" Bhatia inquired.
Charging the TMC leader with treating Hindus as "second-grade citizens", he asserted that the residents of West Bengal would respond appropriately to such politics in the upcoming Assembly elections.
The latest allegations heighten the ongoing political rivalry between the BJP and TMC as both parties prepare for the pivotal 2026 state polls.