New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday blamed BJP for inciting riots in Bengal with the help of hired goons. She further stated that she would not let rioters go scot-free and strict action will be taken against them.


In a video shared by ANI, West Bengal CM can be heard saying, "I have to be alert all the time lest BJP incites riots. They don't understand that the people of Bengal don't like violence. Rioting is not Bengal's culture. We don't riot, general public doesn't incite riots. When BJP can't on its own, it hires people to fan riots."








Addressing a rally in Purba Medinipur district, Banerjee said, "The youth in whose hands weapons were seen during Ram Navami, CPI(M) used to do the same. Did you forget the atrocities of CPI(M)? Did you forget the incidents in Nandigram, Khejuri, Kolaghat, Tamluk? CPI(M) makes tall claims, today BJP has chosen this path after learning from CPI(M)."

 

Taking potshots at the CPI(M), she alleged that 'Baam' (Left) and 'Ram' (BJP) have joined hands against the TMC, news agency PTI reported.









 

She was referring to the clashes that were reported in Hooghly and Howrah districts during Ram Navami processions over the last few days.







"The BJP is behind the violence in Hooghly and Howrah. They are defaming the Hindu religion by pitting one community against another. But rioters have no religion, they are just political goons. I appeal to everyone to maintain calm," she said, according to PTI.


Taking a dig at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, without naming him, she said, "The BJP said if the party comes to power in Bihar, it would hang rioters upside down. Then why are they not doing that to their goondas who are fomenting trouble in Bengal? Charity begins at home."


Shah had made the remark during a recent public rally in the Nawada district of Bihar, which has also witnessed communal clashes during Ram Navami.


(With inputs from agencies)