West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed a conference called by imams in Kolkata on Wednesday. During this, she openly opposed the Waqf Act and accused the central government of inciting riots in the Murshidabad violence. She also urged leaders of the INDIA alliance to unite and fight against the BJP.
'BJP Inciting Riots in Bengal'
At the imams' conference, Mamata Banerjee said our government also provides scholarships to priests, with more than 40,000 imams and 28,000 muezzins receiving allowances according to official records. She said we've caught some fake media reports spreading to tarnish Bengal's reputation. We respect all imams and priests. We believe in the ideologies of Nazrul Islam and Rabindranath Tagore.
You are invited to read: 'Naidu and Nitish might sacrifice you for power,' declared Mamata Banerjee at the imams' conference.
She criticized BJP for allegedly plotting riots in Bengal. She stated that BJP is spreading fake news about Bengal and if TMC were involved in anti-Waqf violence as opponents claim, their leaders' homes would not have been attacked. The Bengal CM mentioned that Saraswati Puja is celebrated in households but they say we don't allow it, while we have restored Kali temples.
Allegation of Secret Meeting with Yunus
Mamata Banerjee mentioned Gandhi sat in Kolkata during the freedom struggle to ensure no communal riots occurred. Tagore wrote songs to unify the nation, and people of all religions fought for freedom. Mamata said she wants to challenge the Indian government on why they rushed the Waqf Act. Are you aware of the situation in Bangladesh, she asked, while accusing them of secretly meeting with Muhammad Yunus.
She accused the central government, suggesting that their plan may be to import outsiders and incite riots in Bengal using central agencies. Why did the BSF fail to avert such crises, she questioned. She called for efforts to unite India, warning of polarization if they divide the country.
'Rein in Amit Shah, Mr. Modi'
Targeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Mamata Banerjee admonished, don't cut the branch you're sitting on, like Kalidas. When Mr. Modi is no longer there, what will happen to him? She urged Mr. Modi to rein in Amit Shah, who, she alleged, is using agencies against them. Regarding Murshidabad violence, she called it a premeditated communal riot.
Call for Unity Against Waqf Act
Appealing to opposition parties, Mamata asked the INDIA bloc to unite against the Waqf law. Its impact will be widespread. She said they might later try to impose a uniform civil code; does everyone think it will be accepted?
Targeting PM Narendra Modi indirectly, she asked whose hospitality he enjoys in Saudi Arabia and Dubai. She alleged that BJP uses every agency to conspire against Bengal, reminding them that Hindus reside on Waqf properties too.
Targeting Naidu and Nitish
Criticizing NDA allies, Mamata Banerjee said look at Chandrababu Naidu, he remains silent; Nitish Babu is silent, but you all vote for them. They might sacrifice you all for power. You vote for Nitish but he supports BJP, giving him a little power. We can give you hearts and blood for power, but what have Naidu and Nitish done for you?
She called for everyone to hit the streets against the Waqf Act, to unite all communities, and protest against the central government. She wants INDIA bloc members to support protests.
You are invited to read: 'Control Amit Shah, Mr. Modi, they are plotting…', targeted by Mamata in Bengal violence.
She advised peaceful protests, suggesting doing so inside stadiums. BJP might come and provoke, but imams should play a role in calming things by stating that division between Hindus and Muslims will not be tolerated. Never pursue roads for political purposes, stand for your rights, she urged.
'Protest in Delhi'
Mamata Banerjee stated that BJP seeks polarization in Bengal to destabilize the government, warning that if it happens, survival will be difficult. Protesting in Bengal is futile, head to Delhi, she urged, stressing it's not just to save a community but to defend India's constitution, cautioning that being provoked helps BJP.
Rebutting UP CM Yogi Adityanath's comments on Murshidabad violence, Mamata said Yogi is indulged, with thousands of teachers losing jobs in UP, many died in the Kumbh. She warned that BJP is provoking, appealing to the Hindu community not to fall into it, as those seeking power through riots understand no one's pain.
For context, violence erupted in Murshidabad against the Waqf law demonstration on April 11, resulting in three deaths and several injuries. Streets witnessed intense clashes and arson. In Shamsherganj area, a father and son were reportedly killed by a mob. The Bengal government announced a financial aid of 1 million each for bereaved families.
