Mamata Banerjee on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the BJP, questioning the party’s stance on Muslims and accusing it of attempting to divide people along religious lines ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
Addressing a public gathering, Banerjee said that those who portray Muslims negatively should also reflect on their own conduct during international engagements. “If Muslims are really bad, then when the Prime Minister visits countries like Saudi Arabia and meets their leadership, why is religion not remembered then?” she asked, pointing to what she described as selective narratives around identity.
Her remarks came amid an intensified campaign in poll-bound West Bengal, where political rhetoric has sharpened in recent weeks. Banerjee reiterated that religious distinctions are often set aside in diplomacy, but invoked domestically for political purposes.
At the same event, Abhishek Banerjee framed the election as a broader political moment rather than a contest centred on individuals. “This election is not about Mamata Banerjee. It is an election for change and an election of protest,” he said, appealing to voters to rally behind the party.
Earlier in the day, speaking at a rally in Manikchak in Malda district, the Chief Minister urged people to unite against the BJP, warning of consequences if the party returns to power. “If you want to live peacefully for the next five years, you must stand together to stop the BJP. They will ruin the country. They do not respect any religion and instead try to impose a version of religion that suits them,” she said.
Invoking local cultural practices, Banerjee referred to offerings made to Kali, noting that “Maa Kali’s prasad includes both fish and meat,” as she questioned the BJP’s understanding of Bengal’s traditions.
She also alleged misuse of central agencies, claiming that institutions such as the NIA, CBI, ED, BSF and CISF were being used to target opposition voices. Without naming him directly, Banerjee took a swipe at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, referring to him as “Mota Bhai” and accusing him of branding political opponents as corrupt while ignoring issues related to border regions.
“Do not fall for provocation. They want unrest so that people can be arrested in large numbers. This is already happening in Malda, where innocent people are being picked up,” she alleged. Banerjee further accused the BJP of labelling Bengali-speaking individuals as infiltrators and claimed that such tactics were aimed at polarising voters.
Warning against supporting any rival party, Banerjee alleged a tacit understanding between the BJP and the Congress in the state. She cautioned that such an arrangement could pave the way for the implementation of the NRC and the setting up of detention centres, but asserted that her government would resist any such move.
West Bengal is scheduled to go to the polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting of votes set for May 4.
