Mamata Banerjee Expresses Concern Over Arrest of ISKCON Monk; Vows Support To Modi Govt Action Over “Atrocities Against Hindus” in Bangladesh

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed her concern over events happening in neighbouring Bangladesh following the arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, a member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). She was speaking on the floor of the state assembly on Thursday, assured her support any decision taken by the Union Government of India in this regard. “We will not tolerate any atrocity against any community” she stressed.

“We do not want any community to suffer. We don’t support any atrocity against any community. I have spoken to ISKCON here. Since this is a matter of Bangladesh, another country, the Central government should take relevant action on this. We are with the Central government on this issue” Banerjee said acknowledging the sensitive nature of the issue.

There has been wide-scale violence in Bangladesh following the arrest of the ISKCON monk on charges of sedition, amidst a growing demand for his immediate release. The incident has sparked controversy and also diplomatic tension between India and Bangladesh, with claims of spike in religious persecution against Hindus following a change in the political landscape there. The ousting of Sheikh Hasina's government has been linked to a rise in attacks on the Hindu minority in the country, including incidents involving ISKCON temples and followers.

While acknowledging the complexity of the situation in Bangladesh, Banerjee reiterated that the West Bengal government stands firmly against any form of communal violence, whether inside India or abroad.
“Just as we speak up against atrocities in other countries, we must speak up when it happens to our own people,” Banerjee stated, underscoring the debate brewing in India over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, brought by Modi government.
​