A day after Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari’s remark that Muslim MLAs of the TMC would be expelled from the West Bengal assembly if the BJP comes to power, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of importing “fake Hinduism” into the state. She criticized the party for undermining citizens’ rights, stating that their version of Hinduism is not supported by the Vedas or revered seers. Banerjee asserted that the BJP’s actions were fraudulent and harmful to the country’s secular fabric.
Banerjee’s comments were a direct response to Adhikari’s statement, which predicted that the Hindu population would oust the TMC from power. She condemned this as discriminatory and emphasized that every citizen, regardless of religion, has the right to be treated equally. She also defended her right to protect Hindu dharma, but not the BJP’s interpretation of it, urging the party to refrain from playing the “Hindu card.”
Addressing BJP’s criticism of her party, Banerjee questioned why BJP members could comment on TMC leaders’ remarks outside the assembly, while TMC members were not allowed the same freedom. She clarified that the party had advised some of its members, like Firhad Hakim, Humayun Kabir, and Madan Mitra, to avoid making inappropriate comments.
Banerjee reiterated her commitment to secularism, stressing that TMC respects all religions and condemns political attempts to spread communal hatred. She accused the BJP of deliberately creating disruptions in the House, including walking out and tearing up papers in protest. She called for respect for the legislative process, urging mutual respect and upholding democratic values. Banerjee concluded by emphasizing the need to protect all communities and uphold humanitarian values over religious boundaries.
