KOLKATA/DIGHA: "It is the majority's responsibility to protect the minority," CM Mamata Banerjee said on Wednesday in the context of recent development in Bangladesh, adding, "We demand protection for everyone."
Speaking to reporters after inspecting the soon-to-be-inaugurated Jagannath Temple Complex in Digha, the CM said, "We protect minorities here in our state. The Bangladesh issue is not a matter for Bengal govt to act upon. But some people are spreading misinformation and trying to create a situation that can lead to communal strife. The imams in Bengal have urged for peace and protection of minorities in Bangladesh. All we say is that govt of India must act."
She also warned about fake videos being circulated to spread misinformation.
The CM was flanked, among others, by Iskcon Kolkata vice-president Radharamn Das. Iskcon Kolkata was made one of the trustees of the Digha Jagannath Temple board, which will supervise its day-to-day running.
Banerjee said Centre must act to bring back Indians stuck in Bangladesh, but added there was no instruction from Delhi to stop anyone coming in legally from the other side of the border.
‘What is BJP trying to achieve with Bangladesh stir?’CM Mamata Banerjee said, “The international border has not been shut. We don’t have any such instruction. Many people are coming in. Flights are still operational and those with visas and passports are being allowed to enter. No Bangladeshi with legal papers has been stopped at any border.”
The CM also chided Bengal BJP for hitting the streets on Bangladesh and wondered what the party was trying to achieve. “Anyone can hit the streets, including us. But here the opposition party is showing awareness and accountability while members of the party-in-office in Centre are doing politics. They should speak to the PM on the issue rather than taking law into their own hands,” she said.
TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh questioned Bengal BJP’s intention. “What does (Bengal) BJP want? Why are they making such a din over Bangladesh in Bengal? They should go to Delhi. People across the border are constantly making irresponsible statements and the Centre should act decisively and put an end to it. Such irresponsible comments can have far-reaching impact on people this side of the border.”