Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today criticized the BJP after a video surfaced showing a confrontation between BJP protesters and state police after a Sikh officer was called a “Khalistani”. The Chief Minister accused the BJP of indulging in “divisive politics”. She condemns it.
“I strongly condemn this audacious attempt to tarnish the reputation of our Sikh brothers and sisters, revered for their sacrifices and unwavering determination for our country,” X, earlier in her post on Twitter, had read.
“We are determined to protect the social harmony of Bengal and will take strict legal action to stop any attempt to disrupt it,” he said.
Today, BJP’s divisive politics has shamelessly crossed constitutional limits. According to @BJP4India Every person wearing a turban is a Khalistani.
I strongly condemn this audacious attempt to tarnish the reputation of our respected Sikh brothers and sisters… pic.twitter.com/toYs8LhiuU
– Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) 20 February 2024
The protesters, led by leader of opposition in the Bengal Assembly, Subhendu Adhikari, were going to Sandeshkhali when the police stopped them.
In the confrontation that followed, one of the protesters apparently called a senior police officer on duty at the spot a “Khalistani”.
The video shows the angry officer reacting. The officer can be heard saying, “I am wearing a turban, so you call me a Khalistani? I will take action about this… You cannot attack my religion. I have not said anything about your religion.” Said.”
BJP workers were surprised. A woman can be heard shouting, “You do your job… you just butter them. You sycophant.”
BJP workers were heading to Sandeshkhali in South Bengal after being allowed to travel following a court order, bypassing the restrictions imposed by the administration.
The Sundarban islands near the Bangladesh border are in the midst of a political storm as locals have accused a senior Trinamool Congress leader of sexual exploitation and land grab.
While some people have been arrested, the main accused Sheikh Shahjahan has fled.
In view of the unrest, the administration had placed the area under curfew and banned large gatherings and barred the opposition from visiting the spot.
