“Not sitting with Lollipops” Mamata Banerjee Hits Back at Bangladesh Retd Army-Men’s Provocative Threats of Kolkata Capture

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee delivered a sharp rebuttal to provocative remarks made by retired Bangladeshi military personnel, who claimed they could capture Kolkata and even invade the United States. Speaking in the state assembly on Monday, Banerjee asserted that such threats were reckless, vague and unmindful of India’s strength.

“Some are saying that they will capture Bengal, Odisha, Bihar… I can only say let them stay healthy with good sense. They will come and capture, as if we are sitting and having lollipops. No one has that audacity,” Banerjee said, warning against inflammatory statements. The remarks by the retired army officials, who suggested military aggression towards India, have drawn widespread condemnation. Banerjee, however, urged restraint, emphasizing that no one should underestimate the power of India. “They are not aware of India’s strength. I urge people not to make unnecessary statements,” she said.

The Chief Minister also expressed concern over the ongoing communal violence in Bangladesh, where attacks on Hindu minorities have escalated, particularly following the arrest of Hindu priest Chinmay Krishna Das. The situation has led to protests in India, with the Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staging rallies demanding protection for Hindus in Bangladesh.

While reiterating her support for the Indian government's diplomatic approach, Banerjee made it clear that West Bengal would follow the central government's lead, especially with the Indian Foreign Secretary set to visit Bangladesh. However, she urged people in Bengal to resist using the crisis for political gain. “It is our stated position that we never interfere in external affairs. We will follow whatever the Government of India decides, but I urge people here not to fan communal sentiments,” she said.

Banerjee also pointed out that, in Bengal, Muslims have held meetings condemning the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, while Hindus in the state have raised concerns about the safety of their co-religionists across the border. “Let Bengal be a model of harmony and coexistence for people on the other side of the border,” she added, stressing the importance of communal harmony within the state.

This marks the second time in just a week that the West Bengal Chief Minister has addressed the ongoing situation in Bangladesh, following her earlier calls for peace and dialogue.​