Bengal is not Bangladesh, says CM Mamata Banerjee, slams ‘political opportunism’

KOLKATA: Bengal was not the same as Bangladesh, CM Mamata Banerjee said on Monday, accusing "political opportunists" of trying to take advantage of the situation developing out of the RG Kar rape-murder and seeking to replicate the Bangladeshi unrest here to tarnish the state's image.

Banerjee, expressing concern at the impact on people's livelihood ahead of Bengal's biggest festival season, urged people to "return to festivities". "The livelihood of many people, from dhakis (drummers) to idol makers and craftsmen, hawkers and small traders, and their entire year's earnings depend largely on the Durga Puja," she said.

"Bengal's reputation is being tarnished. WhatsApp groups have been created. People who have studied and grown up here are now spreading misinformation about Bengal after moving away. They are defaming Bengal based on one-sided information. They are not hearing both sides. Are you taking advantage of the situation after (what happened in) Bangladesh? But remember that India is (a) separate (country) (and) Bangladesh is a separate country. We respect Bangladesh, we respect its language. But this place will not become Bangladesh," Banerjee told the media at state secretariat Nabanna after the govt's first administrative rev-iew meeting in the backdrop of the RG Kar crime.

"Staying out on the street every night causes problems for others. There are many elderly people; loudspeakers disturb their sleep. There are regulations about using microphones after 10pm but we have ignored everything. It has been a month now. I request you to return for the festival. I also request the CBI to expedite the judicial process," she said.

Banerjee also slammed a social media campaign urging people not to celebrate Durga Puja. This was the state's biggest festival, she said, urging people to keep it away from misinformation and negative campaigns. "Livelihoods depend on this festival. Foreigners come here. People from all over the country visit Bengal. We must ensure they do not face any inconvenience," she said.

"Cops have been restrained and managed things. They have been beaten, shed their own blood, but have not drawn anyone else's. But, remember, cops too have families. How would you feel if you were denied admission to hospital or heard your own family being abused every day?" she asked protesters.

The CM, referring to the decision by some Durga Puja committees to refuse the state's grant, said the sum should be diverted to other organisers. "We have received extra requests for funding this time. Disbursal will start on Tuesday," she added.

"Everyone has the right to go for themes of their choice but must avoid stuff that may lead to untoward incidents or bear responsibility,"Banerjee said, referring to the possibility of the RG Kar crime finding its way into pandals in the form of "puja themes".