Amid rising tensions over the rape and murder case of a 31-year-old doctor in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday issued a controversial warning that has sparked widespread backlash. Addressing the Student Wing of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Kolkata, Banerjee stated, “Remember, if Bengal burns, then Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Delhi will also burn.”
Her remarks have been criticized by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other political leaders, who accused her of inciting violence and called for her resignation. BJP leaders described Banerjee’s comments as “anti-national” and unbecoming of someone holding a constitutional position. Sukanta Majumdar, Union Minister and BJP President of West Bengal, wrote a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging him to take action against Banerjee for what he described as her “blatant endorsement of revenge politics.”
“CM Mamata Banerjee during her address to the Student Wing of TMC today in Kolkata shamelessly incited the gathering, declaring, ‘I never sought revenge, but now, do what needs to be done.’ This is nothing less than a blatant endorsement of revenge politics from the highest office in the state,” Majumdar wrote in his letter to Shah. He also called for her immediate resignation, stating, “Her statement is a clear attempt to threaten, incite violence, and sow hatred among the people. She no longer deserves to hold such an important position.”
Banerjee’s comments also drew condemnation from several Chief Ministers across India. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized Banerjee for what he perceived as a threat to his state, stating, “Didi, how dare you threaten Assam? Don’t show us red eyes. Don’t even try to burn India with your politics of failure. It does not befit you to speak divisive language.”
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh also condemned Banerjee’s remarks, demanding a public apology. “How dare Didi threaten the Northeast? I condemn such irresponsible remarks in the strongest terms. She must publicly apologize to the Northeast and the rest of the nation. Mamata Ji must immediately stop inciting violence and hatred with divisive politics,” Singh said.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charam Majhi joined the chorus of criticism, questioning Banerjee’s right to make such statements. “Odisha is a peaceful state, and the people of Odisha are responsible and aware. Our people will never accept your hateful attitude, negative comments, and insensitive attitude towards our state. The comment you are making is dangerous for the country,” Majhi remarked.
The controversy surrounding Banerjee’s remarks comes amid mounting criticism of her handling of the ongoing situation in Bengal, with opposition parties accusing her of failing to maintain law and order. The situation remains tense, with opposition leaders and critics demanding justice for the victim of the heinous crime and urging the Chief Minister to maintain peace and order in the state.
