Riots Handiwork Of Greedy Leaders, Not By People Of Any Religious Community: Mamata Banerjee

Mamata Banerjee's remarks come in the backdrop of violence across the country over controversial comments on Prophet Mohammad by suspended BJP leaders.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Dakshineswar Temple in Kolkata

On the backdrop of protests across the country over remarks against Prophet Muhammad, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said the riots were the handiwork of "greedy leaders who have their minds are full of black dirt" and not by people of any religious community, PTI reported.

Speaking at a programme in Kolkata's famous Dakshineswar Temple, Banerjee said, "When life has no surety, why should we fight? Why should we spread hatred or kill each other? We must understand it. I am not talking about any particular religion, but about all the religions. Remember it is not the common people who create riots, but it is done by some greedy leaders who have their minds full of black dirt."

"We do not know how many cells are there inside our brain and how many of them are damaged everyday when people think of evil. Whenever people think negatively, brain cells are damaged. If you think positively then the brain too will give you something in return - it will keep you healthy and happy," PTI quoted the TMC supremo as saying.

Protests had erupted in Howrah and parts of Murshidabad and Nadia districts against suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma's remarks on Prophet Muhammad. The administration had imposed Section 144 Cr PC and suspended internet connections to quell the protests.

While lashing out at BJP over "hate speech", Mamata had demanded the arrest of Nupur Sharma and Navin Jindal.

The Bengal CM, who was seen at the Eid-ul-fitr prayers at Red Road in the city, dismissed rumours that she offered namaz, PTI reported.

"I go to attend Iftar parties where all gather to mark the end of fasting. What is the problem? Nobody says anything when I attend Durga Pujas. In our country we have people of different religions. What is the problem if I go to a Jain temple?" she said.

(With inputs from agencies)