Takeover talk from Bangladesh: We won't eat lollipops, scoffs West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee
Times of India | 10 December 2024
KOLKATA: Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday made light of a section of Bangladeshi politicians' and former army officers' threats of "occupying Bengal, Bihar and Odisha", saying "we would not be sitting eating lollipops" if that happened.
She also wished a "speedy recovery" to the persons who issued the threats, suggesting they were unwell.
Addressing the state assembly, Banerjee also blamed "a certain political party" for stoking communal unrest. "Do not spread rumours or engage in provocations regarding ongoing events in Bangladesh. Maintain peace and act responsibly," she warned.
Banerjee also said she hoped for the success of the foreign secretaries' meet between India and Bangladesh.
The CM's "lollipop" comment was provoked by some viral clips on social media, in which a BNP functionary and a former Bangladesh army senior were seen making inflammatory remarks about "taking over Bengal, Bihar and Odisha." "Whatever is happening in Bangladesh is not acceptable to any of us," she said. "Communal violence is not perpetrated by Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs or Christians; such things are done by dangerous, anti-social elements who are a burden on society. We should remember this and not make any statement that may hamper the situation in Bengal."
Banerjee also appealed to "certain media outlets to refrain from spreading fake videos on behalf of any political party", saying it disrupted communal harmony. "Please desist from such actions. Bengal will set an example and show the way. If anyone tries to create divisions, they will face consequences," she said. She also followed this up by asking DGP Rajeev Kumar to alert police, especially those along the India-Bangladesh border, to keep close watch on the spread of "fake videos".
'Those looking to politicise must understand this will hurt our friends too'
CM Mamata Banerjee said at the assembly that Bengal was at the forefront of upholding secular values, as it was not only Hindus from the state who were protesting against the attack on minorities, but even Imams.
"Many minority groups expressed a wish to hold protest marches, but we all know that there are a few people who would have politicised that, eager to stoke communal riots over it. We do not want riots; we only want peace. Our blood runs the same," she said.
Accusing a "certain political party" of being responsible for the circulation of fake videos "to stoke communal flames", she appealed to everyone to "stay away from such misinformation." "We are not in favour of one group; everyone cares for everyone here. Let India govt decide on the Bangladesh matter. Our view will always align with that of Centre as far as external affairs are concerned. We should not make unnecessary statements that may threaten the situation here. Those who want to politicise this matter should understand that it would hamper our state as well as our friends, sisters and brothers staying there," Banerjee said.
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