West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has triggered a major political controversy with her remarks on Hinduism, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of distorting the religion for political advantage. At an Eid gathering organized by the Calcutta Khilafat Committee on Red Road in Kolkata, Banerjee accused the BJP of using religion as a divisive tool.
She said, “BJP is turning Hindu dharam into ‘ganda dharam’ (impure religion),” and accused the party of polarizing communities for electoral gains. Emphasizing her commitment to religious unity, Banerjee stated, “People asked me if I am a Hindu. I told them, I am a Hindu, I am a Muslim, I am a Sikh, I am an Indian. What can they do?”
Her remarks have fueled a heated political exchange, drawing sharp criticism from the BJP, which has accused her of undermining Hindu beliefs for the sake of appeasement politics.
BJP Calls Banerjee’s Statement an Attack on Hinduism
The BJP swiftly responded to Banerjee’s comments, with spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla leading the attack. He accused the West Bengal Chief Minister and her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), of repeatedly disrespecting Hindu traditions and sentiments.
“Berating Hindu dharam has become Mamata Banerjee and the I.N.D.I.A bloc’s identity. They oppose ‘Jai Shri Ram,’ their leaders insult Hindu deities, they abuse Ramcharitmanas, and now they are calling Hindu dharam ‘ganda’ (impure). This is nothing but vote-bank politics,” Poonawalla said.
He further alleged that Banerjee’s statements were part of a larger trend within the I.N.D.I.A alliance, which, according to him, frequently disrespects Hinduism. “We have seen similar remarks before—calling Sanatan Dharma a disease, branding Hindus as terrorists. Now, at a time when people are celebrating Navratri, Mamata Banerjee is making such remarks at an Eid event. It clearly reflects her party’s mindset,” he added.
Poonawalla also accused Banerjee of engaging in “Tushtikaran Mujhe Chahiye” (I want appeasement) politics, stating that she and her party were willing to go to any extent to cater to their minority vote bank.
Banerjee Urges People to Resist Provocations
Amid the mounting criticism, Banerjee defended her position and urged people to remain united against communal forces. She warned that deliberate attempts were being made to incite riots and create unrest in the state.
“Provocations are being made to fuel riots, but do not fall into these traps. The West Bengal government stands with minorities and will ensure that communal harmony is maintained,” she reassured.
Taking a direct jab at the BJP, Banerjee questioned, “If they have problems with minorities, will they change the Constitution of the country?” She further accused the party of fostering an environment of hatred to gain political mileage ahead of the elections.
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Political Ramifications Ahead of Elections
The controversy has erupted at a time when communal sensitivities are heightened due to the simultaneous observance of Eid and Navratri. Given the ongoing political battle between the TMC and the BJP in West Bengal, the remarks are expected to have significant electoral implications.
The BJP has been making a concerted effort to expand its influence in West Bengal, a state where the TMC has traditionally enjoyed strong support. The party has frequently accused Banerjee of engaging in minority appeasement, while Banerjee has positioned herself as a champion of secularism and religious unity.
With national elections approaching, this latest controversy is likely to escalate, adding to the already charged political climate. As both parties gear up for an intense battle, Banerjee’s remarks and the BJP’s counterattack will continue to shape the narrative in the days to come.
