Assam CM Criticizes West Bengal Government Over Allegations of Resource Misuse
Allegations Against Mamata Banerjee's Government
A file image of CM Sarma. (Photo:@himantabiswa/x)
Kolkata, Apr 18: Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, has accused the West Bengal government, led by Mamata Banerjee, of misappropriating state resources to benefit 'Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators.' He asserted that her removal from office is crucial to prevent further loss of Bengal.
During a rally in Kalimpong, Sarma claimed that the BJP administrations in Assam and Tripura have successfully halted the influx of 'Bangladeshi Muslims' into India, contrasting this with the ongoing illegal immigration in West Bengal.
He alleged, 'Mamata Banerjee has allocated the entire treasury of Bengal for Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators, trading land for votes.' Sarma further accused the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) leader of damaging the state throughout her governance.
Sarma emphasized the need to oust Banerjee as Chief Minister, warning that if not addressed, 'Bangladeshi Muslims will eventually take control of the state.'
He criticized the lack of development in north Bengal under her leadership and advocated for a governmental change. Sarma promised that if the BJP comes to power, they would expel all Bangladeshi infiltrators from the region.
Additionally, he mentioned that the BJP would pursue a constitutional resolution for the Gorkhaland issue and ensure justice for the Gorkhas if they form the government in West Bengal.
In response, the AITC has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing Sarma of making 'divisive and inflammatory statements' against the West Bengal Chief Minister.
The complaint highlighted a statement Sarma allegedly made during a campaign rally in Cooch Behar, where he suggested that Banerjee's concerns regarding a potential BJP government limiting meat consumption were focused solely on beef, excluding chicken, mutton, or fish.
The AITC further claimed that Sarma's remarks were 'baseless and inflammatory,' implying that the Muslim community in West Bengal was opening beef shops in predominantly Hindu areas and involved in beef smuggling.
They argued that such rhetoric vilifies a religious group, framing them as a public threat, which could lead to social unrest and disrupt the electoral process. The Trinamool Congress has requested the ECI to issue a show-cause notice to Sarma and the BJP, urging strict action against the Assam Chief Minister for his allegedly provocative statements.