Mamata slams Suvendu's remark on Muslim MLAs, accuses BJP of importing ‘fake Hinduism’
Kolkata (PTI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday lashed out at Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari over his controversial remark on Muslim MLAs, accusing the BJP of importing "fake Hinduism" to the state.
She also expressed concern over the BJP’s treatment of minorities and criticised the opposition party for allegedly undermining democratic values.
Banerjee’s comments came a day after Adhikari claimed that if the BJP comes to power in West Bengal in the next assembly polls, Muslim MLAs from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) will be "thrown out" of the state assembly.
In response, Banerjee condemned the statement and remarked, "Your imported Hindu dharma is not supported by the Vedas or by our seers. How can you deny the rights of Muslims as citizens? This is nothing but a fraud. You are importing fake Hinduism."
Banerjee expressed concern over what she called the "BJP's attempt to manipulate religious sentiments for political gains", stressing that her version of Hinduism differed from theirs.
"I have the right to protect Hindu dharma, but not your version of it. Please don’t play the Hindu card," she asserted.
The chief minister also questioned Adhikari's statement that the Hindu population would oust the TMC from power, stating, "How can your leader say that when Muslims win, you people will remove them from assembly? How can they dismiss 33 per cent of the population?"
Banerjee emphasised the importance of respecting the country’s policies, citing the legacy of leaders like Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
"This is a country with its own policies, and I do not speak against it," she remarked.
Highlighting the state's religious diversity, Banerjee mentioned, "We have 23 per cent tribal brothers and sisters in the state, alongside other communities, including Muslims. We are committed to protecting all religions and promoting peace."
She condemned any attempt to sow division among people, based on religion, saying "Do not engage in deceit in the name of religion. I condemn those who divide people based on religion. They speak of Hindus and Muslims but ignore the true message of humanity."
Banerjee also took the opportunity to speak on the remarks made by TMC leaders, including Firhad Hakim, Humayun Kabir, and Madan Mitra, clarifying that the party had advised them not to make inappropriate statements.
"This is an internal matter of our party," she asserted, emphasising the TMC’s commitment to unity and peace.
Regarding the governance in other states, Banerjee raised concerns about the BJP's rule in Manipur.
"You can’t manage a state like Manipur; how will you manage Bengal?" she questioned.
In a strong message to the BJP, Banerjee reaffirmed her stance against religious intolerance, stating, "We condemn this communal disharmony".
She also touched upon the importance of unity, stressing that "We must love everyone. We do not tolerate any community being insulted."
"I celebrate Durga Puja, Kali Puja, and Kali Puja is performed at my home. Hinduism is universal. There is no division while we donate blood. Blood goes to the blood bank... Humanity is the true religion," she said.
The chief minister also highlighted India’s humanitarian values, saying, "Our country is a land of hospitality, a sovereign nation where everyone can practise their faith freely".
Banerjee concluded her address by emphasising the importance of democracy and the right to free speech.
"I respect democracy. I request the opposition to let me speak. If you have something to say, say it. Let us have a respectful dialogue. I am here to serve the people," she said, calling for mutual respect in political discourse.
In response to Banerjee's remarks, Shankar Ghosh, the BJP's Chief Whip, said, "The TMC wants to dominate the playing field in the assembly...We have listened to your concerns, and we hope that you will not abandon your principles," he remarked.
Further addressing Banerjee's remarks about opposition leaders, Ghosh added, "You are bringing up statements made by others, like that of Firhad. But we also remember your party MLA’s (Humayun Kabir) statements that, "30 per cent Hindus in Murshidabad would be overpowered by 70 per cent minorities.”
The BJP staged a walkout from the House and later staged a dharna outside the assembly.
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Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
