• How dare you threaten Assam? CM Sarma on Mamata Banerjee's 'burn' remark

    National
    How dare you threaten Assam? CM Sarma on Mamata Banerjee's 'burn' remark
    Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused her of using divisive and inflammatory language...

    Digital desk: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday strongly criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her inflammatory remarks linking the violence in Kolkata with a broader crisis involving Assam and Delhi. Banerjee's comments, which suggested that unrest in Bengal could lead to chaos in Assam and beyond, prompted a sharp response from Sarma and other BJP leaders.

    Mamata Banerjee had made the controversial statement at an event marking the foundation day of the Trinamool Congress's student wing. She compared the current unrest in Bengal, including the violent protests surrounding the handling of a high-profile rape and murder case, to the situation in Bangladesh. Banerjee warned that if Bengal were to "burn," then the impact would extend to Assam, Delhi, and other parts of India. This rhetoric was seen as an attempt to draw parallels between domestic unrest and international turmoil, specifically referencing student protests in Bangladesh.

    Reacting to Banerjee's remarks, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused her of using divisive and inflammatory language. In a strong rebuke, Sarma stated, "Didi (Mamata Banerjee), how dare you threaten Assam? Don't show us your bloodshot eyes. Don't try to set India on fire with your politics of failure. It does not suit you to speak divisive language," he tweeted. Sarma's comments reflect a broader frustration with Banerjee’s approach and her handling of the crisis in Bengal.

    BJP leader Piyush Hazarika also condemned Banerjee’s statements, asserting that such threats would not be tolerated. "She can't bully, or threaten us. I seriously condemn her. She can't control law and order in her state and is threatening us. It will not happen in Assam, I am assuring you," Hazarika said. Similarly, Union Minister and Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar labeled Banerjee’s remarks as indicative of an "anti-national" mindset, questioning her suitability for a constitutional role.

    The political atmosphere in Bengal has been tense following a 12-hour bandh called by the BJP, which saw clashes between BJP supporters and TMC members, resulting in allegations of violence and bombings. Banerjee's comments have only intensified the ongoing conflict, highlighting the deepening political divides and the volatility of the situation in the region.