Manas Dasgupta
NEW DELHI, Dec 9: The West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday ridiculed the claims of some Bangladesh leaders that it can “take” West Bengal, Bihar and Odisha in a jiffy and said India would give a fitting reply if the neighbouring country attempted any such misadventure.
Addressing the state Assembly, Ms Banerjee even while asking the people not to make lose remarks that could instigate communal violence, she also responded to some provocative remarks from across the border that Bangladesh could “take” the three border states with ease. “When you come to acquire our lands, don’t think we will sit and eat lollipops.”
Her remarks were in response to some recent adverse comments from across the border. A Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader recently slammed India and said Dhaka would claim Bengal, Bihar and Odisha. Another viral video showed two Bangladesh Army veterans claiming that soldiers of the neighbouring country could occupy Bengal within days. “You will occupy Bengal, Bihar and Odisha, and we will have lollipops? Don’t even think that,” Ms Banerjee said.
“We should not comment in such a way that would instigate communal violence… All people are protesting as per their ability,” Banerjee said during question hour in the state Legislative Assembly.
Attacking Bangladesh for the alleged atrocities on minorities, Banerjee said, “We are not taking it well… Those who are miscreants instigate riots… We do not need riots, we need peace. What a section of the media is doing is not right. We can’t ban them like Uttar Pradesh. We are appealing that they should not do this. A political party is also instigating… don’t do this.”
The Chief Minister’s remarks are politically significant against the backdrop of Bengal’s political landscape. The BJP and its top state leader Suvendu Adhikari have launched a campaign with an eye on the Bangladesh situation. Mr Adhikari has been leading protests over the atrocities against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, apparently to consolidate support within the majority community in Bengal. Ms Banerjee’s remarks, which did not name the Leader of the Opposition or the BJP, are an attempt to blunt the main Opposition’s campaign while projecting the ruling party as composed and restrained amid flying tempers.
Ms Banerjee requested both the politicians and the media to keep calm and ensure that provocative remarks don’t impact the peace in the border state. “Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, or Christians don’t start riots. Anti-social elements start riots. We should not make any remark that creates a bad situation in Bengal. I am happy that both Hindus and the Muslim minority here are protesting against atrocities in Bangladesh. This shows our secular nature,” she said.
She said minority leaders wanted to take out a rally. “I asked them not to. Many people use this as an opportunity. They would start another riot. We don’t want riots, we want peace. Hindus and Muslims and Sikhs and Christians have the same blood,” Ms Banerjee said.
She appealed to a section of the media for restraint in their coverage of the Bangladesh situation. “This is not Uttar Pradesh or Rajasthan that we will ban or arrest you. But I request you. Many fake videos are doing the rounds. A political party is trying to ignite a fire. Both communities must be watchful of this,” she said. “Those thinking of politicising this must remember that it will hurt your state too and your friends there,” she said.
The Bengal Chief Minister said many people from Bangladesh want to cross into the border state. “Many people are trying to come to India from Bangladesh. The BSF is monitoring this. I would not comment on this. It is not our area. The Foreign Secretary went there, we are depending on that. Those with money are coming on planes or trains, but the poor cannot. We don’t handle the border. Let them (Centre). We don’t interfere in matters of External Affairs (ministry),” she said.
“Let us show Bengalis on the other side a sense of nationalism, compassion and affection,” she said.