Conspiracy to destabilise law and order in West Bengal foiled: Mamata Banerjee

JHARGAM: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee alleged on Tuesday that there was a conspiracy by "a certain political quarter" to destabilise law and order in the state, but the people had foiled it.

Both Durga Puja and Muhurrum passed off peacefully as the people in the state did not fall prey to any provocation, she told a public meeting here.

"There was a massive conspiracy by a certain political quarter to destabilise law and order in our state. People foiled that bid and, Durga Puja and Muhurram, which took place at almost the same time, was held peacefully," she said.

Claiming that a conspiracy was hatched to divide the people of West Bengal on religious lines, she said their "positive attitude" did not allow any quarter to vitiate the atmosphere of peace and communal harmony in the state.

"Religion is not for destabilising law and order, or settting offices or establishments afire or dividing people of different faiths," the chief minister said.

She said that the Durga Puja immersion carnival in Kolkata, showcasing the best Durga idols of the city, would be replicated in all districts of the state next year.

Earlier, at an administrative meeting of the newly curved out Jhargram district, she asked the district authorities to remain alert to foil any bid to disrupt law and order.

Without naming any political party, Banerjee said that conspirators had tried to destabilise law and order in the Darjeeling hills, but failed to succeed.

"People in the hills foiled their plan to vitiate the atmosphere. Darjeeling is now peaceful," she said.

She took stock of the progress of various development programmes in Jangalmahal, and even took to task the minister for Backward Classes Welfare Churamoni Mahato on development issue at the ground level.