“I Will Quit If...": Mamata Banerjee Slams Suvendu Adhikari's 'Muslim League-Terrorist' Jibe, Warns BJP of 'Lakshman Rekha'

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday vehemently refuted the charges levelled against her by the Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, accusing her government of "minority appeasement" and having ties with terror outfits. Addressing the Assembly during the motion of thanks to the Governor’s speech, Banerjee delivered a sharp rebuttal, challenging Adhikari to prove his claims and even offering to resign from her position if any such links could be substantiated.

“I can’t believe I have to hear this now, at this stage of my life. If you can prove that I have links to any terror organisation or am associated with the Muslim League, I will resign as Chief Minister,” Banerjee declared, her voice rising in indignation. She expressed deep outrage over the allegations, which she described as a direct insult to both her personal integrity and the people of Bengal. “Don’t cross the Lakshman Rekha” she added

The controversy erupted after Suvendu Adhikari’s speech on Monday, in which he accused Banerjee’s government of being “controlled by Muslim League” and having links with terror groups from Kashmir and Bangladesh. He went on to suggest that the current state administration was working at the behest of these forces, undermining the interests of the Hindu community. Adhikari’s allegations included claims that the Chief Minister was siding with groups involved in terrorist activities, a narrative which he dubbed the “Kashmir terrorist’s government.”

In response, Mamata Banerjee rejected these sweeping allegations, labelling them as baseless and divisive. “They said I have links with Jammu and Kashmir terror outfits, how dare he? I will write to the Prime Minister and ask that if I am a terrorist, then they should arrest me. It’s better to die than to be accused of having such links,” she said, her tone filled with a mixture of anger and resolve.

Banerjee also hit back at accusations of her government appeasing Muslims at the expense of Hindus, calling it a tactic to divide the state along religious lines. “I am accused of disrespecting Hindus. I am called a Muslim League. After all my struggles in life, I have to hear this now?” Banerjee said, asserting that her government’s policies were inclusive and aimed at the welfare of all communities, regardless of religion.

Further, Banerjee questioned why her government’s commitment to the welfare of Muslims had been framed as “appeasement.” “We take everyone along. What is their problem with Muslims? Do they not want Muslims to live or progress?” she asked, referring to the BJP’s rhetoric. “We don’t need a certificate as Hindus from BJP. Since when has Suvendu Adhikari become the custodian of Hinduism?” she added sharply. The Chief Minister also highlighted her belief in the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Paramhansa, stressing their messages of universal tolerance and inclusivity.

The remarks came after a tumultuous session in the state assembly on Monday, where Suvendu Adhikari and other BJP MLAs were suspended for thirty days due to their disruptive behaviour during the day’s business. The BJP had moved an adjournment motion demanding a discussion on the alleged denial of Saraswati Puja celebrations in the state. Adhikari, in a fit of anger, tore and threw business documents at the Speaker, leading to his suspension along with three other BJP legislators. The incident was followed by a privilege motion being moved against him.

Later while addressing the media, Suvendu Adhikari had said This is no longer the Bengal for Hindus,”. He further added “. This government belongs to the terrorists from Kashmir terrorist. The chief minister of this government is Muslim League 2”​