‘Anti-Bengali party’: Mamata vs BJP over puja pandal permission row | India News
NEW DELHI: The BJP and the TMC traded sharp barbs in West Bengal on Wednesday as the assembly elections neared, increasingly accusing the political battleground. BJP’s new chief Nitin Naveen Mamata accused the government of double standards, alleging that Hindus must seek permission to set up puja pandals, where Muslims are allowed to offer prayers. Meanwhile, North Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called the BJP “anti-Bengali” in a public meeting.Naveen claimed that citizens were forced to approach the High Court to set up puja pandals. After offering prayers at the Dakshineswar Kali temple in North 24 Parganas, he described the alleged disparity in permissions. Durga Puja and other religious practices as “unfortunate”.
Speaking to reporters, Nitin Naveen said, “I am blessed here at Mother’s court. I have also prayed before Maa Kali because in this state, high court permission is required to set up puja pandals when prayers are allowed. This is unfortunate. We have sought mother’s blessings to make the state ‘Bangladesh and Sonarsar’.”Nitin Naveen’s visit to the historic Dakshineswar Kali temple in Kolkata marked the second day of his organizational visit to West Bengal, aimed at reviewing the BJP’s preparations for the upcoming assembly elections.Meanwhile, TMC supremo and CM Mamata hit back at his poll rally. He said, “There is serious concern that the names of genuine voters have been removed from the electoral rolls. This raises questions about the fairness and transparency of the election process. At the same time, questions about identity and citizenship, who is being recognized as a valid Indian voter and on what basis? The BJP has been asked to respond.”“Addressing his rally in Mainaguri, he further alleged, “BJP [is an] Bengali opposition parties are beating up Bengalis in other states.” He further warned, “Today they are taking away voting rights, tomorrow they will take away citizenship through NRC.”At the same event, Mamata advised, “We will ask candidates to take as many nomination papers with lawyers as possible. [have been] Abolished in Assam,” PTI reported.
