If Bengal burns, Delhi will also burn: Mamata Banerjee's stark warning escalates political tensions

New Delhi: Amid escalating tensions surrounding the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued a controversial warning. On Wednesday, Banerjee declared, "Remember if Bengal is burned, then Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Delhi will also be burned." Her statement has sparked significant backlash from political adversaries and raised concerns about her handling of the crisis.

BJP demands resignation

Banerjee’s remarks have drawn severe criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Party leaders have intensified their call for her resignation, accusing her of making "anti-national comments." Union Minister and Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar has formally complained to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, condemning Banerjee’s statements as an incitement to violence. Majumdar’s letter criticized Banerjee for allegedly endorsing revenge politics and failing to uphold the law.

Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar writes to Union Home Minister Amit Shah

"I am writing to bring to your immediate attention towards the recent statements made by CM Mamata Banerjee during her address to the Student Wing of TMC today in Kolkata where… pic.twitter.com/b1h2WqNVxB

— ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2024

"CM Mamata Banerjee during her address to the Student Wing of TMC today in Kolkata shamelessly incited the gathering, declaring, ‘I never sought revenge, but now, do what needs to be done.’ This is a blatant endorsement of revenge politics from the highest office in the state," Majumdar wrote. He urged immediate action to address the situation and maintain public order.

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दीदी, आपकी हिम्मत कैसे हुई असम को धमकाने की? हमें लाल आंखें मत दिखाइए। आपकी असफलता की राजनीति से भारत को जलाने की कोशिश भी मत कीजिए। आपको विभाजनकारी भाषा बोलना शोभा नहीं देता।

দিদি, আপনার এতো সাহস কীভাবে হলো যে আপনি অসমকে ধমকি দিচ্ছেন? আমাদের রক্তচক্ষু দেখাবেন না। আপনার অসফলতার… pic.twitter.com/k194lajS8s

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 28, 2024

Opposition leaders react

In response to Banerjee's comments about potential widespread unrest, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma voiced strong objections. "Didi, how dare you threaten Assam? Don’t show us red eyes. Don't even try to burn India with your politics of failure. It does not befit you to speak divisive language," Sarma retorted.

Mamata Banerjee's legislative response

Amid the mounting criticism, Mamata Banerjee also addressed the issue of sexual violence directly. She announced plans for her party, the Trinamool Congress, to introduce a bill enhancing anti-rape laws. "We will pass a bill on anti-rape laws that would ensure capital punishment for the rapist within seven days of the crime," Banerjee stated.

Banerjee further indicated that the bill will be presented in the next Assembly session and urged that it be passed promptly. "If the Governor (CV Ananda Bose) does not pass the bill, we will sit outside Raj Bhavan. This bill must be passed and he cannot evade accountability this time," she warned.