KOLKATA: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Monday made light of threats by a section of Bangladeshi netas and former army officers of “occupying Bengal, Bihar and Odisha”, saying “we would not be sitting down and eating lollipops” if that happened.
She also wished a “speedy recovery” to those who issued the threats, suggesting they were unwell.
Addressing Bengal assembly, Banerjee blamed a “certain political party” for stoking communal unrest. “Don’t spread rumours or engage in provocations regarding ongoing events in Bangladesh. Maintain peace and act responsibly,” she warned.
The CM’s “lollipop” comment was provoked by some viral clips on social media, in which a BNP neta & a former Bangladesh armyman were seen making inflammatory remarks about “taking over Bengal, Bihar and Odisha.”
“Whatever is happening in Bangladesh is not acceptable to any of us. Communal violence is not perpetrated by Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs or Christians; such things are done by anti-social elements who are a burden on society. We should remember this and not make any statement that may hamper the situation in Bengal,” she said.
Banerjee also appealed to “certain media outlets to refrain from spreading fake videos on behalf of any political party”, saying it disrupts communal harmony. “Please desist from such actions. Bengal will set an example and show the way. If anyone tries to create divisions, they will face consequences,” she said.
She also followed this up by asking Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar to alert cops, especially those along India-Bangladesh border, to keep watch on the spread of “fake videos”. The CM said Bengal was at forefront of upholding secular values, as it was not only Hindus from the state who were protesting against the attack on minority groups in Bangladesh, but even Imams.
“Let Indian govt decide on the Bangladesh matter. Our view will always align with that of the Centre as far as external affairs are concerned. We should not make unnecessary statements that may threaten the situation here. Those politicising this matter should understand that it would hamper our state as well as our brothers staying there,” she said.
