KOLKATA: “I will resign as the chief minister if you can prove that I have links with terror outfits or am associated with Muslim League,”
West Bengal CM
Mamata Banerjee said in the assembly on Tuesday, countering BJP’s allegations.
“I was accused of disrespecting Hinduism and supporting Muslim League. After all my struggles, I have to hear that I have links with terrorists from J&K and Bangladesh. I will write to the PM, and if he can prove any link with terrorists, I will step down as CM,” she said as her party colleagues chanted “Shame, Shame)” in unison. Banerjee added, “There is no place for mafia in Bengal. We do not harbour terrorists or rioters. It’s better to die than to be accused of having ties with terrorists.” Her comments were in response to allegations made by leader of opposition Suvendu Adhikai outside the House on Monday after his 30-day suspension.
A privilege motion was moved in the assembly against Adhikari for his comments on Tuesday even as BJP MLAs boycotted the session.
Addressing Adhikari, the CM said, “I saw the video of what you said outside the assembly yesterday. You claimed you were expelled for speaking about Hinduism. Since when did you become a leader of Hinduism?” She added, “You (BJP) sell religion to divide the country. We do not. Remember that because we believe in democracy in Bengal, that everyone is allowed to speak. But we will not tolerate division in the name of religion.”
Responding to BJP’s allegations of two holidays on the occasion of Shab-e-Barat, the CM said the party in opposition raises questions but does not have the courage to listen to answers, which is why they were not present in the House. “One leave was for Shab-e-Barat and the other to mark the birth anniversary of Panchanan Barma,” she said, adding, “You need the Rajbangshis for votes but won’t respect their leader and tradition.”