Kolkata, 18 February (H.S.) – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday strongly refuted allegations made by BJP legislators in the state assembly, accusing her of having links with Bangladeshi terrorists and extremists. She challenged the BJP to prove these allegations, asserting that if they did, she would resign from her post as Chief Minister.

During her address in the assembly, Mamata Banerjee criticized BJP legislators for making baseless and hateful accusations. She announced her intention to write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing concern over BJP’s political tactics.

Freedom of speech does not mean one has the right to spread hate speech and divide society, Mamata Banerjee said. She emphasized her belief in secularism and peaceful coexistence among all communities.

She accused the BJP of exploiting religion for political gain and referred to recent tensions in Bangladesh, asserting that her government's efforts had ensured peace in West Bengal despite the situation.

Banerjee also condemned claims linking her to the Muslim League, calling them highly objectionable. She dismissed BJP’s assertion that its legislators were not allowed to speak in the assembly, countering, The truth is that BJP MLAs are afraid to debate with me. Whenever I speak, they choose to boycott the session.

Hindusthan Samachar / S P Singh