No place for rioters, intolerance in Bengal, reiterates Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday batted for religious tolerance and made it clear that there is no place for intolerance in Bengal. Speaking at the 100th year celebration of Bharat Sevashram Sangha at Netaji Indoor Stadium, Ms Banerjee said, “There is no place for ‘dangabaaj (rioters). There seems to be a new phrase doing the rounds. ‘I am a Hindu I will kill Muslims. Or I am a Muslim I will insult Hindus’. We all should respect each other’s religious faith for a mutual existence.”

The chief minister said that the Constitution has guaranteed a person to practice, preach and propagate any religion of one’s choice. “Who are you to say what I will wear or what I will eat. I myself join the namaz during Id, offer prayers during Christmas at a church and also chant mantra during Durga Puja. Who are you to draw the demarcation line? she questioned, though she did not name either the Centre or the BJP. Making it clear that she is against those people who indulge in politics taking the name or help of their Gods she said, “The idols of our goddess mother which we worship we will keep them with reverence at home and not take those out on the streets to incite others,” she said.

The chief minister also reiterated her resolve to save heritage in the state. Citing a number of instances in which her government had intervened to preserve heritage related to Ramkrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda, she said, “We will preserve our heritage ourselves. We will not go begging to anyone or ask for any assistance from anyone.” she said.

The chief minister also inaugurated from the venue, the Japanese Forest at Eco Park thorough remote control.