'Aaj Lal, Gerua ek ho gaya': West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee criticises opposition amid tensions over Mothabari violence
Times of India | 31 March 2025
NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee visited an Eidgah in Kolkata during Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations on Monday, addressing recent tensions following violence in Mothabari.
She criticised opposition parties and emphasized her government's commitment to preventing riots while highlighting the unity between majority and minority communities.
Banerjee directly addressed the gathering about her government's stance on maintaining peace and religious harmony.
"We are ready to sacrifice our lives for all religions...The duty of the majority is to protect the minority, and the duty of the minority is to stay with the majority. We will not let anyone riot. We have only one voice, which is to stop the riots," she said.
The chief minister took aim at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Communist Party of India (Marxist), suggesting they were working together to create unrest.
"We are secular. Navratri is going on; I extend my best wishes for that as well, but we do not want anyone to create chaos...Common people do not create chaos, but political parties do. Aaj Lal aur Gerua ek ho gaya (Today Red and Saffron are one). Let it be. This is a matter of shame," Banerjee stated.
Her comments followed recent clashes between two groups in the Mothabari area of West Bengal's Malda district, which led to 61 arrests and internet suspension in three areas after violence erupted on March 27.
Additional director general (ADG) Law and Order Jawed Shamim provided an update on the situation in Mothabari.
"The situation in Mothabari is completely under control. Till now, 19 cases have been registered, and 61 people have been arrested in this matter...Soon, the situation will be completely normal. Today, there have been no incidents (of violence) in the region," said Shamim.
The BJP responded to the Mothabari incident by organizing a protest on Friday.
The state government has implemented measures to restore peace in the affected areas, with law enforcement maintaining vigilance to prevent further unrest.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with EID Wishes, Messages and quotes !