New Delhi, Jan 17 (NationPress) BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra strongly criticized Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, claiming she has turned 'Sonar Bangla' (Golden Bengal) into 'Bhay Bangla' (Bengal of fear). He accused her of engaging in what he termed as divisive appeasement politics.

Patra stated, "The TMC represents 'Tushtikaran' (appeasement), Mafia, and Crime by infiltrators."

Speaking at a press conference at BJP headquarters in New Delhi, he lamented the current state of Bengal, noting its significance in India's civilizational and national narrative, yet expressing deep concern over the situation under Banerjee's rule.

Patra remarked that governance in Bengal has taken a troubling turn. He recalled how the British previously attempted to divide Bengal through appeasement policies.

He claimed it was not politically incorrect to suggest that Banerjee uses appeasement politics to create divisions among the populace. "One must question, 'Is Bengal not a part of India?'" he wondered.

Patra vowed to present evidence and video footage to underscore his claims regarding alarming developments in the state. He highlighted the ongoing SIR process, which he said is systematically being conducted across various states, having also been discussed in Parliament in 2003.

"The SIR process is also occurring in Bengal. We will reveal how Mamata Banerjee is unlawfully attempting to halt the SIR process through violence," he asserted.

He alleged that booth-level officers, or BLOs, face threats even within election offices.

"They are under so much pressure that it is pushing them towards suicide. The offices, including those of the Block Development Officer and their staff, are being treated like enemy territory," he claimed.

Patra cited a specific incident where a BLO office was attacked in Farakka, Murshidabad district, in the presence of Trinamool Congress MLA Manirul Islam.

According to him, Islam stated, "Yahan Ram se paper nahi maanga jaata, Rahim ka paper hi check kiya jaata hai."

Patra asserted, "I wish to inform Mamata Banerjee that this narrative is not about Ram or Rahim, but about Rohingyas. She aims to protect the Rohingyas and Bangladeshis to secure their votes in elections. However, we want to emphasize that dividing India will not lead to victory, and India will not remain silent," he added.

He further claimed that even after an FIR was filed, the name of the Trinamool MLA was omitted, raising doubts about the Mamata Banerjee-led government's operations.

Reaffirming the BJP's motto 'Ek hain to safe hain', Patra stated that unity is crucial to confront current challenges. "Only through unity can we tackle this fight collectively," he asserted.

Patra also mentioned the ongoing violence in Murshidabad, noting that NH-12 has been blocked and railway services disrupted.

"Is this not a part of India? Are people prohibited from traveling on NH-12? Trains are being set ablaze, and Mamata Banerjee justifies it by claiming it reflects minority dissatisfaction," he alleged.

He added that when questioned, Trinamool leader Abhishek Banerjee stated, "If names are cut, protests will ensue."

Patra also referred to an alleged attack on journalist Soma Maity in Murshidabad while she was covering protests in Beldanga, stating that her cameraman was also assaulted in the presence of police, urging media professionals to unite against such incidents.

He discussed the suicide of BLO Ashok Das, alleging he faced pressure from both the Chief Minister and local leader Raju Biswas.

"He was threatened that if any names of infiltrators were removed, his family would be attacked," Patra claimed. Das, a resident of Ahalya Nagar in Mukundapur, was discovered hanging in his room on Thursday.

"After enduring repeated threats, Ashok Das committed suicide," Patra stated, recalling a purported audio clip where Das's wife tearfully asked, "My husband died by hanging; what should I do now? I'm filing an FIR against the TMC."

Patra noted the pain in her voice had turned into a commitment to democracy. "Mamata Banerjee's actions have led to Bengal, once known as 'Sonar Bangla', becoming 'Bhay Bangla'. Politics is shedding blood in Bengal," he alleged.