Bengal Budget Session: ‘Baseless… Show proof, will quit’, says Mamata on BJP’s charge of links with terror outfits

“Death is better than hearing that I have connection with terrorist. Nation is our top priority,” the TMC supremo said, adding that she would write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to complain about such claims made by his party colleagues.

Accusing the BJP of using religion for political gains, the chief minister said: “Speaking is also an art. Free speech doesn’t meet to instigate, provoke or give hate speech. It doesn’t mean to divide the house. You are selling one religion for your bread and butter. We don’t use a religion for our benefit. We believe that all religion, caste and creed are equal.”

“I love all religions and creeds. I do not engage in discussions about religion, caste, or creed. I am a daughter of a Brahmin family. My father, a freedom fighter, passed away when he was young. I learned Chandi Path from him, and I hold these values dear,” she said.

“How many Muslims live in Bengal? Around 30-35 per cent. If I say my five fingers represent Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians, is that a crime?”

Rubbishing the BJP’s charge that the TMC government was not allowing the celebration of Hindu festivals in the state, Mamata said that Saraswati Puja was celebrated peacefully across the state, despite the contrary claims by the BJP.

“All clubs, all lanes, and bylanes held Saraswati Puja. Over one small incident, you are trying to malign the state’s image. I was a student of Jogesh Chandra Law College. Saraswati Puja was conducted peacefully there and everywhere,” the chief minister said as showed photos of Saraswati Puja celebrations at Jogesh Chandra College and Jogesh Chandra Law College.

The BJP on Monday had brought an adjournment motion for discussion, alleging that Saraswati Puja was not being allowed in the state. The uproar in the House over the motion led to the Speaker suspending four BJP MLAs, including Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, for the rest of the budget session for alleged misconduct.

“Earlier their (BJP) central leadership used to come here and say Didi Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja karne nahi deta… (Didi doesn’t allow celebration of Durga Puja and Saraswati Puja). At this age, do I have to listen to all this?” the 70-year-old veteran politician said.

“He (Suvendu Adhikari) spoke for Hindu… Since when did he become the leader of Hindus. Is Hindu religion this small?” Mamata said. “The people of Bengal will teach you a lesson for spreading such divisive rhetoric,” she added.

Asserting that her government had been proactive in promoting religious infrastructure, the chief minister countered the BJP’s charge: “How many times have you said Ganga Sagar Setu should be done for pilgrimage? Rs 500 crore has been allocated for the bridge in this budget. Jagannath Temple in Digha, we are doing it. The Opposition are conspirators and jealous people.”

She also highlighted her government’s contributions to the development and renovation of various religious sites, including the Tarapith Temple and the Dakhineshwar Skywalk.

Referring to the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh, the TMC chief said that her government’s efforts ensured peace and harmony in West Bengal amidst unrest in the neighbouring country.

“Bangla bhalo thakle sobai bhalo thake (If Bengal is fine, all others are also good),” she added. Pointing to the empty Opposition benches in the Assembly as the BJP MLAs did not attend on Tuesday, the TMC supremo said: “They (BJP MLAs) do not have the courage to face me. Therefore, whenever I speak, they are not present in the Assembly, which is the house of the people of Bengal.”

The BJP MLAs were protesting outside the House over the suspension of party colleagues and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari. They raised ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans, accusing the TMC government of being “anti-Hindu”.

Concluding her speech, the CM reiterated her strong stance on national security, stating that Bengal plays a crucial role in India’s strategic position, bordering countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh. “Bengal is a key state, and its internal and external security is vital for the nation. Our priority is to keep Bengal and India safe,” she added.