Mamata-BJP clash over Modi's promises in manifesto, Ram Navami celebrations
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promises in the Bharatiya Janata Party's manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections. Speaking at an election rally in Silchar, Assam, Banerjee said that "riot is their [the BJP government's] only guarantee." "I don't believe that Modi will do anything for anyone. This government is a 'jumlebaaz' government...I am not afraid of any threats." she added.
Why does this story matter?
Banerjee and Modi have clashed repeatedly in Bengal ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The BJP aims to broaden its foothold in the eastern state—positioning itself in direct competition with the TMC—which has governed for more than a decade. The Citizenship Amendment Act and National Register of Citizens have sparked significant debate—with the PM accusing the opposition of disseminating misinformation about the CAA. Meanwhile, Banerjee has reiterated several times that the controversial law will not be enforced in the state.
Banerjee pledges against Citizenship Act enforcement
Banerjee also accused the BJP of turning the entire country into a "detention camp." She once again said on Wednesday that the CAA and the NRC will not be implemented in West Bengal. "If we win, we will not implement NRC and CAA in the state...How many people will be kept in the detention camp? This election is going to be terrible...I have never seen such a black and corrupt election before," Banerjee said.
INDIA bloc government will scrap discriminatory laws: Banerjee
Last week, the BJP pledged in its manifesto to enforce the CAA and Uniform Civil Code nationwide. To recall, the CAA, facilitating Indian citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, was enacted in 2019, with its rules notified in March this year. Banerjee has said that democracy would be at risk if Modi wins again, vowing that an Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance bloc government would scrap what she labeled discriminatory laws.
BJP accuses Banerjee of 'demeaning' Ram Navami
Meanwhile, BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi accused Banerjee of "demeaning" the festival of Ram Navami in her X post. "Mamata Banerjee has made a post on social media appealing to maintain peace...This is demeaning to the festival of Ram Navami, as on the other religious occasions, you (Mamata Banerjee) have given the message of peace, but here you are asking 'to maintain peace'...You're trying to humiliate the Indian and Sanatani culture," he said.
Read Banerjee's Ram Navami greeting here
PM Modi, Mamata clash over Ram Navami celebrations in Bengal
This comes a day after a political slugfest erupted in the state between the BJP and the TMC over the Ram Navami celebrations. PM Modi on Tuesday accused the TMC of attempting to disrupt the festivities using "conspiracies." In response, CM Banerjee accused the BJP of meddling in state officials' transfers and cautioned that the saffron party would bear responsibility for any potential riots.
2023's Ram Navami clashes
In recent years, Ram Navami celebrations have become a focal point of political contention, often escalating into major confrontations and even communal violence, particularly in the eastern state. Last year, clashes broke out in Howrah on March 30, subsequently spreading to two other districts, North Dinajpur and Hooghly. At least 10 people were injured in these clashes.
