Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a sharp attack on Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over their stance on Muslim MLAs, accusing them of promoting “fake Hinduism” and attempting to divide people along religious lines.
The controversy erupted after Adhikari claimed that if the BJP comes to power in West Bengal next year, Muslim MLAs from the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) would be “thrown out” of the state assembly. His remark sparked outrage, prompting Banerjee to issue a fiery rebuttal.
“Your imported Hindu dharma is not supported by the Vedas or our seers. How can you deny the rights of Muslims as citizens? This is nothing but a fraud. You are importing fake Hinduism,” Banerjee lashed out, condemning the BJP’s alleged attempt to distort religious beliefs for political gains.
Mamata: ‘BJP Using Religion as a Political Tool’
Banerjee expressed deep concern over what she called the BJP’s strategy of weaponizing religion to polarize voters. She argued that true Hinduism is inclusive and not about exclusion.
“I have the right to protect Hindu dharma, but not your version of it. Please don’t play the Hindu card,” she asserted, emphasizing that her ideology aligns with tolerance and secularism rather than divisive politics.
Political Firestorm Ahead of 2026 Elections
With the West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled for 2026, the political battlefield in the state is heating up. Banerjee’s remarks signal a strong pushback against the BJP’s growing influence, while Adhikari’s statement has further fueled communal tensions.
