Kolkata, 17 October (H.S.): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of spreading misinformation and trying to divide people during elections, asserting that Bengal remains one of the safest states in the country.

Addressing a gathering at a Kali Puja inauguration event in Kolkata’s Janbazar area, Banerjee said, “Some people come to Bengal only during elections and make false claims about law and order to malign the state’s image. You say Bengal is unsafe, but don’t people walk freely here without fear?”

Citing the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, she said Kolkata is the safest metropolitan city in India. “Ask people about their experience — do they not live here peacefully and harmoniously?” she added.

Referring to the recent alleged rape case of a medical student in Durgapur, the Chief Minister said, “I do not want even a single such incident to occur, but if it happens, we act immediately. There are many similar cases in other states where victims are still waiting for justice.”

Without naming the BJP, Banerjee accused opposition parties of using the courts to deprive qualified candidates of their jobs. “Some people go to court to take away the jobs of educated youth, but we work for the people. They cannot stop us. We must defeat their agenda,” she said.

Her remarks came amid a series of court orders cancelling the recruitment of several teachers and non-teaching staff in the state.

Speaking at another Kali Puja event organized by the Girish Park Five Star Sporting Club, Banerjee accused the opposition of circulating fake images and photoshopped materials. “They spread lies, click pictures, but are never with the people. Their campaign is based on falsehood, and people can see through it,” she remarked.

Taking a dig at recent visits by BJP leaders, she said, “They arrive in groups during elections and bring outsiders to disturb the atmosphere. We should not fall for their trap.”

Quoting Swami Vivekananda, Banerjee said, “India stands for unity in diversity, and Bengal is its finest example, where Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Diwali, Chhath, Christmas, Gangasagar, and Eid are all celebrated with equal enthusiasm.”

“Religion means humanity. It does not mean division or hatred,” she emphasized.

Appealing for adherence to safety norms during Diwali and Kali Puja, Banerjee said, “Let our celebrations not turn into grief for anyone. Please cooperate with the administration.”

At another event on Shakespeare Sarani, the Chief Minister distributed compensation to flood-affected families from both North and South Bengal. She also announced government jobs for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in recent disasters.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh