Kolkata: Continuing her tirade against the BJP, chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday requested the people not to support the BJP. “I will urge everyone, whatever you do, do not join the BJP. It is a party of the danggabaj (rioters), they divide people in the name of religion. We do not believe in their Hindutva. They are not Hindus. They defame Hinduism and try to create communal tension in the name of religion,” Ms Banerjee said, addressing a public meeting at Coochbehar.
She slammed the Modi government for its move to have an Aadhaar-like identity system for cows. “Just see... now cows need Aadhaar cards. Then what cards will be needed for children who need cow’s milk? Will they now issue cards for the goats, for the fish in the ponds? They need a thorough examination of their heads. They are trying to put the dangga card (the riot card) into the people’s head. A day will come when you will need an Aadhaar card for wearing lipstick, bangles, bindis or salwar kameez,” she said.
The chief minister’s attack came in the wake of the Centre’s recommendation of unique identification numbers that are expected to help track cows and prevent their smuggling. Coming down heavily upon the BJP, she appealed to dalits and non-Bengalis present at the meeting not to be inclined towards the saffron party. “Whoever has joined them has repented later, Delhi ka laddu jo khaya, woh pachtaya,” she said.
Ms Banerjee said she respected all religions. Bengal, she said, is a state where people of all caste and creed live in harmony. “I love and respect all religions. We will not tolerate communal flare-ups in the name of religion,” she said.
Unveiling some development projects for Coochbehar, the chief minister said that the district deserved the tag of a heritage city and promised that her government would take suitable steps in the regard.
