Non-Bengalis condemn Modi’s statements

At a rally in Serampore on Sunday, Modi had said, “If people from Bihar come, they seem to be outsiders to you, if people from Odisha come, they seem to be outsiders to you, you feel bad if Marwaris come

Condemning Narendra Modi’s statement that Biharis, Odiyas and Marwaris are treated as outsiders by the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal, various non-Bengali communities Monday came out in support of the state government. At least 13 such organisations issued statements saying they have been living peacefully in the state for years. “Mr Modi should not have made such a communal speech just for votes. We Marwaris are in peace and satisfied, let the brotherhood continue,” Dinesh Bajaj, president of the International Marwari Federation, said in a statement.

At a rally in Serampore on Sunday, Modi had said, “If people from Bihar come, they seem to be outsiders to you, if people from Odisha come, they seem to be outsiders to you, you feel bad if Marwaris come.” Bhagalpur Welfare Society’s president Alam Khalifa issued a statement saying, “We condemn the statement made by Mr Narendra Modi and his intention to create division among the people. We are all together and staying peacefully with dignity in West Bengal.”

Similar statements were issued among others by the West Bengal Mithla Welfare Society, Ghazipur People’s Welfare Association, Siwan Welfare Society, Balia Welfare Society, Paschim Bangal Dalit Community, Jaunpur Nagrik Sangh, Andhra Club. State’s urban development minister Firhad Hakim alleged that Modi was trying to drive a wedge through people of the state by giving such statements. “People from different languages and other states are living here. Traditionally amity and brotherhood has prevailed. People in West Bengal will not tolerate this,” he said.