Kolkata, 08 December (H.S.): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday justified her absence from the large-scale “Gita Chant by Five Lakh Voices” event held at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground on Sunday, calling it a Bharatiya Janata Party–influenced programme. Speaking before leaving for North Bengal, she said she would have attended had the event been neutral, but it was not possible for her to join a programme where the BJP had a direct presence.

Banerjee said she respects all religions and communities, but her political ideology guides her decisions on public appearances. According to her, the Brigade event was “completely under the influence of the BJP,” making her participation inappropriate.

The Sunday event saw a massive turnout of devotees, saints, and ordinary citizens. Senior BJP leaders, including the state president Shamik Bhattacharya, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar and Dilip Ghosh, attended the programme. Although no party flags were displayed, the presence of BJP leaders across the venue was clearly visible. Governor C.V. Ananda Bose was also in attendance.

The controversy comes at a time when suspended MLA Humayun Kabir’s remarks on constructing a Babri Masjid in Bengal have already triggered political turbulence. Observers believe the Brigade event was part of the BJP’s effort to project Hindu unity, particularly amid ongoing political tensions in the state.

Banerjee asserted that she could not attend a programme associated with individuals “who disrespect Netaji and do not believe in Mahatma Gandhi.” She said the ethos of Bengal does not teach her to compromise with her values or ideological commitments.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh