Don’t break the law, don’t get provoked, Mamata appeals with ‘folded hands’
Times of India | 15 April 2025
Kolkata: CM Mamata Banerjee on Monday appealed "with folded hands" to all communities to not get provoked into breaking the law.
"Today, on the eve of Poila Baisakh, I urge everyone to peacefully exercise their democratic rights (to protest) with prior permission," Banerjee said. "But remember, whoever you are, A, B, C or D, do not take the law in your own hands. Some people may instigate you but do not be provoked. Those who keep a cool head despite provocations are the true winners. May you all be victorious," she added.
Banerjee's statement, during an event to inaugurate the Kalighat skywalk and the nearby hawkers' corner, came in the backdrop of violent protests in Murshidabad and Bhangar against Centre's new waqf law; but she refrained from specifically mentioning these places.
"They vilify me, going to the extent of even changing my surname. Which type of people would do this? Religion should not be used for playing irreligious games. Religion means respect, love, humanity, peace, well-being, culture, harmony, unity. There is no greater religion than loving people. We are born alone and die alone. So why fight and indulge in riots, wars, unrest?" the CM asked, iterating her "dharma jar jar, utsav sabar (a religion may be an individual's but a festival is everyone's)" approach to religions.
Banerjee also mentioned the temple development projects and projects to develop Muslim religious hubs like Furfura Sharif that her administration had undertaken as well as the work at Sikh and Jain places of worship. "We are there for everyone. We stand by anyone who is harmed, oppressed, persecuted irrespective of religion," she said.
"Bengal is the land of peace. It is our motherland. Love this land and maintain peace. Let us ensure that everyone — Ma, Ammi, Mother — is fine," she added.
Banerjee said the 435-metre-long and 10.5-metre-wide skywalk — with three main entrances and exit points on S P Mookerjee Road, Hazra Road and Kalighat Road — would enhance Kalighat's status as a religious-tourism magnet.
The CM mentioned Reliance's contribution to the temple's golden dome and thanked hawkers, mentioning how they shifted to Hazra Park so that the skywalk could be built. "We have constructed an air-conditioned hawkers' corner," she added.