She also warned the BJP of consequences of taking on her in the state. (ANI)In a veiled attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday told the Muslims that “there is nothing to be scared of” and promised a safe and secure environment in the state. She also warned the BJP of consequences if it continues to mess with her.
Mamata, whose Trinamool Congress suffered reverses in the recent Lok Sabha elections, greeted people on Red Road here where a crowd of over 25,000 had gathered to offer ‘namaz’ on Eid-ul-Fitr. In the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had bagged 18 of the 42 seats in the state. The TMC had won 22 seats. Mamata on Wednesday alleged the BJP had tampered with EVMs in the Lok Sabha elections to win the maximum seats.
At the gathering, Mamata said, “Hindus stand for renunciation, Muslims for integrity, Christians for love and Sikhs for sacrifice. This is our beloved Hindustan and we will protect it. Whoever dares to challenge us will be shattered into pieces.” She added, “There is nothing to be scared of… Don’t be scared, the faster they captured EVMs, the quicker they will disappear.”
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with Mayor of Kolkata Firhad Hakim (R) during an Iftar party on the eve of ‘Eid-ul-Fitr’, in Kolkata, Tuesday, June 4,2019. (PTI Photo)Asserting that unity is the essence of Bengali culture and tradition, the chief minister said, “In future, we will fight all battles together. Remember, you are dead if you are scared. But those who fight together ultimately succeed. Some people will always say a few things. Let them say it. It is their right.
But remember, you can be successful if you speak from your heart,” she said.
Mamata has also been critical of BJP’s use of the slogan ‘Jai Shri Ram’, alleging that the saffron party was “mixing religion with politics” by repeatedly using the phrase.
The chief minister had lost her cool twice in the last few weeks over people chanting ‘Jai Sri Ram’ at some places in the state while her motorcade was passing by.
Meanwhile, Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi also extended his best wishes to the people on Eid-ul-Fitr. “May this joyous festival provide an opportunity to reaffirm our faith in the country’s cultural heritage, unity, spirit of friendship and fraternity among all sections of the society,” he said in a statement.
With PTI inputs
