Several Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states strongly criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday, August 29, for her controversial statement suggesting that unrest in Bengal could ignite turmoil in Assam, the North-East, Odisha, and Delhi. The BJP leaders condemned her divisive language and called for a public apology.BJP CMs React Strongly to Mamatas CommentsThe Chief Ministers of Assam, Manipur, and Odisha took to social media to express their disapproval of Banerjees remarks. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused Banerjee of attempting to spread unrest across India with what he called her politics of failure. He stated, Didi, how dare you threaten Assam Dont show us bloodshot eyes. Dont try to set India on fire with your divisive politics.Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh also condemned Banerjees statement, saying, How dare Didi threaten the Northeast I strongly condemn such irresponsible remarks. She must publicly apologize to the Northeast and the rest of the nation. Mamata Banerjee must immediately stop inciting violence and hatred with divisive politics. It is highly unbecoming of a political leader to issue threats of violence on a public platform.Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi echoed similar sentiments, questioning Banerjees right to make such remarks about Odisha. Odisha is a peaceful state the people of Odisha are responsible and aware. Our people will never accept your hateful attitude and insensitive comments towards our state. Your remarks are dangerous for the country, especially when justice has not been served for the victim of a heinous crime. Please refrain from making such statements and maintain calm, Majhi stated.Mamata Banerjees Controversial StatementMamata Banerjees remarks came after sporadic violence erupted in West Bengal during a 12-hour shutdown following a rape and murder incident in Kolkata. Speaking at the foundation day ceremony of the Trinamool Congresss (TMC) student wing, Banerjee referred to recent protests in Bangladesh and warned that unrest in Bengal could spread to other states in India. PM Modi, you are trying to create unrest in Bengal through your people. But remember, if you burn Bengal, Assam, the North-East, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Delhi will also burn, she said.Banerjee also suggested that her slogan of badla noy, badal chai (no revenge, only change) needed to be updated to reflect the current situation.Violence and Disruption in West BengalThe BJP organized a protest on Wednesday, which saw several incidents of violence and disruption of services across West Bengal. In Bhatpara, North 24 Parganas district, BJP leaders alleged that TMC supporters fired shots at the car of local BJP leader Priyangu Pandey. While Pandey escaped unhurt, his driver and a party worker were injured and hospitalized.Throughout the day, key services in the state were disrupted, with authorities detaining several BJP leaders, including former MPs Roopa Ganguly and Locket Chatterjee, Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya, and MLA Agnimitra Paul, for attempting to enforce the bandh. In Kolkata, the shutdown had a mixed impact, with reduced public transport and many private vehicles staying off the roads. While markets and shops largely remained open, schools and offices saw lower attendance.
