Mamata Banerjee Condemns 'Threats' From Bangladeshi Leaders: 'You Will Occupy Bengal & We'll Have Lollipops?'

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee condemned Bangladeshi leaders' reported claims that Bangladesh could occupy Indian territories, calling them "absurd." She also criticised the violence against Bangladeshi minorities.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday strongly criticised reported remarks by some Bangladeshi leaders suggesting that Bangladesh could occupy Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, labelling them "absurd" and warning against any attempts to claim Indian territories.  

In a fiery address at the West Bengal Assembly, Mamata said, "You will occupy Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, and we will have lollipops? Don’t even think that. No one has the guts to take our lands", news agency PTI reported. Mocking the statements reportedly made by Bangladeshi politicians, including members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), she added, "Stay calm and healthy and have peace of mind."  

The Chief Minister also condemned provocative videos circulating online, purportedly featuring Bangladeshi Army veterans claiming that their country could occupy West Bengal within days. She alleged that certain political parties were using fake videos to stoke tensions, cautioning the media against irresponsible reporting.

"Those thinking of politicising this (issue of atrocities) must remember that it will hurt our state too, and your friends, sisters, and brothers in Bangladesh. A certain political party is responsible for the circulation of fake videos to stoke fire. I appeal to everyone to stay away from such misinformation. We are not in favour of any one group, we care for everyone here," Mamata said.

"This is not Uttar Pradesh or Rajasthan where we will ban or arrest you. But I request you to be responsible. Many fake videos are doing the rounds. A political party is trying to ignite a fire," she emphasised, urging citizens to avoid falling prey to misinformation.  

Mamata Banerjee Slams Violence Against Bangladesh Minorities

Mamata also criticised the interim government in Bangladesh for its treatment of minorities, calling it "unacceptable." Highlighting the increasing persecution of Hindus, the largest minority group in Bangladesh, following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, she remarked, "We condemn the ongoing violence on Hindus in Bangladesh. Communal violence is not done by Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, or Christians; it is done by anti-social elements that are a burden on society. We should all remember this and avoid making statements that could disrupt the peace in West Bengal."  

She appealed for restraint, urging the people of West Bengal not to make statements that could disrupt peace in the state. "We don't want riots; we want peace. The same blood flows in the veins of Hindus and Muslims and all other communities. We are all proud Indians," she remarked, as quoted by PTI.

Mamata praised the secular spirit of West Bengal, highlighting how both Hindus and Muslims in the state had condemned the atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh. She expressed gratitude, saying, "While Hindus are protesting, Imams also held a press conference to condemn the atrocities. This just shows that West Bengal is first when it comes to showing an example of secularism."  

Addressing the issue of Bangladeshi nationals attempting to cross the border, Mamata stated that the Border Security Force (BSF) was monitoring the situation. "We don't handle the border. Let the Centre handle it. The BSF is keeping a watch on our borders," she said, urging the public to show compassion towards their Bengali counterparts across the border.  

Mamata assured that her government would adhere to the Ministry of External Affairs guidelines, adding, "Our foreign secretary is in Bangladesh for talks. Let us not speak more than what is required. Let us wait for the outcome."  

Mamata Banerjee Making Politically Motivated Statements For Appeasement Politics: BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari

Reacting to Mamata’s remarks, senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari dismissed her statements as a "face-saving attempt." He slammed the Bengal Chief Minister's fake video remarks.

"... Mamata Banerjee is giving fake speeches. A temple was vandalised in Chattogram, was that a fake video? 150 Hindu houses were looted and damaged in Sunamganj by goons and radicals, were those videos fake?... Idols are vandalised in ISKCON temples, are they fake videos?... Mamata Banerjee herself is fake and for appeasement politics, she is making such false and politically motivated statements on the floor of the House..." he told the media, as quoted by news agency ANI.

The Leader of Opposition further urged international attention toward Bangladesh and said, "Entire Bangladesh is in the hands of radical forces and extremist organisations and they are controlling everything. I urge the world community especially the US, India, and other responsible countries to destroy radicalism going on in Bangladesh."

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, meanwhile, held discussions with his Bangladeshi counterpart Mohammad Jashim Uddin in Dhaka on Monday. The visit, amid strained bilateral ties, marks the first high-level engagement from New Delhi following the political upheaval in Bangladesh earlier this year.