“I am Indian…” Mamata Banerjee Targets BJP Over Communal Politics, Stresses Unity Ahead of Crucial 2026 Bengal Elections

In her address during Eid prayers at Kolkata’s iconic Red Road on Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made a passionate call for communal harmony, while taking a direct aim at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over what she described as its “divide and rule” approach to politics. Banerjee’s speech, delivered in front of thousands of devotees, comes at a time of heightened political activity in the state, as West Bengal prepares for the 2026 Assembly elections.

Drawing attention to the BJP's alleged attempts to polarise voters based on religious lines, Banerjee condemned the saffron party's narrative of religious divide and blamed them for orchestrating communal unrest across the country.

"I am Hindu, I am Muslim, I am Sikh, I am Christian—I am an Indian"

Mamata Banerjee’s remarks were partly in response to a controversial incident during her recent trip to Oxford University, where she faced disruptive protests from BJP and Students' Federation of India (SFI) supporters questioning her stance on safety of Hindus in Bengal. In her speech at Kellogg College, Banerjee stressed on India’s inclusive identity.

“The 'Bam-Ram' (CPIM and BJP) folds questioned me during my trip abroad, asking, 'Are you a Hindu?' I proudly replied: I am Hindu, I am Muslim, I am Sikh, I am Christian—I am an Indian”, she said referring to the incident as the crowd at the red Road cheered. Dismissive as always, this was Banerjee’s direct counter to the BJP's narrative of her as a champion of appeasement politics, often accusing her of favouring the Muslim community at the expense of Hindus.

Unity over Division

In the context of Eid celebrations, Mamata Banerjee urged the Muslim community to stay vigilant against efforts to incite violence. “Today is a day of joy—today is Eid. Do not let anyone provoke you. I do not want any riots. Some will try to incite trouble, but do not fall into their trap. This is a part of their planted game. No matter what they say, always remember—Didi is with you," she stated.

Banerjee continued to direct her criticism at the BJP’s tactics, arguing that the party was using religious polarisation to further its own political goals. She pointed to the situation in other states, questioning the BJP's record on managing communal violence: “They (BJP) claim there are communal riots in Bengal and demand President’s Rule. To them, I ask—what did you do in Manipur? What did you do in Uttar Pradesh? What did you do in Bihar? What did you do in Rajasthan? You impose restrictions on what people eat on Eid. You dictate what people wear, where they live. This is nothing short of atrociously terrible.”

Mamata Banerjee has long positioned herself as a staunch advocate for secularism and harmony, often portraying the BJP as a threat to these values. Minus 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, Trinamool Congress hasn’t faced any electoral challenge in Bengal’s political landscape even in the eye of high voltage political narrative of muslim appeasement proposed by BJP against her.

Additionally, Mamata Banerjee also invoked the teachings of two iconic figures, Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Swami Vivekananda, to emphasise her belief in religious tolerance. “Look at what Ramakrishna Paramhansa Dev taught, look at what Swami Vivekananda preached. I believe in the religion of Ramakrishna Dev, I believe in the religion of Swami Vivekananda. But I do not believe in the ‘ganda dharm’ propagated by a ‘jumla party.’ They are the ones working against Hindus,” she declared, alluding to the BJP’s use of religion for political gain.

The 2026 Battle!

The 2026 Bengal Assembly elections promise to be a decisive contest, where issues of identity, religion, and governance will be at the forefront of the discourse. BJP since the beginning of this year has given out the call for Hindu consolidation in the state. They have even given a new political slogan “Hindu Hindu, Bhai Bhai” meaning all Hindus are like brothers, making it amply clear the line of political discourse the saffron party will be adopting for the crucial state elections next year. While in 2021 assembly elections, TMC bagged more than 48% vote share, BJP on the other hand has kept its vote share constant around 37%. Political pundits say while the minority vote share could be a deciding factor yet it might not be enough if there happens any consolidation on communal lines. But Mamata Banerjee has warned of any divide in the state on communal lines, as she put it: “I am ready to sacrifice my life for this nation. I stand for all religions, castes, creeds, communities, and families, dedicating my life to their well-being."​