“BJP may remove idols and stage attack on temples to stoke riots in Bengal”, claims Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday has cast aspersions that Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) has diabolical plans to create communal riots in the state amidst the ongoing elections. After “Sandeshkhali backfire”, BJP is trying to stoke trouble, claimed Banerjee. Recently a purported sting operation video had surfaced where a BJP leader from Sandeshkhali had claimed that the rape complaints by women were manufactured by them in exchange of money. While BJP leaders including the state leader of opposition Suvendu Adhikari has claimed the purported video to be doctored but TMC has maintained the revelations have “exposed BJP”.

“You may find them staging attack on temples in Bengal to stoke in riots. They may remove an idol from the temple and create Hindu-Muslim riots. After failing in their plans for Sandeshkhali, BJP now has plans to create riots in Bengal. I will request the administration to keep a strong vigil. If something happens anywhere, take steps immediately”, said Mamata Banerjee during a public rally in Arambagh.

Sandeshkhali protest and allegations of rape of women in the hands of now suspended TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his aides as a tool of oppression has been at the centre of a showdown between Trinamool Congress and the BJP since February this year. From National Commission for Women chairperson Rekha Sharma visiting the village to Prime Minister Narendra Modi meeting with the alleged victims during a public meeting in Bengal, the issue has snowballed into a face-off as BJP slammed Mamata Banerjee government as anti-women. But the purported sting tapes, TMC has called the entire rape allegations a conspiracy to defame Bengal for political gains.

Previously Mamata Banerjee had alleged that the saffron party could use Ram Navami occasion to create tension in the state ahead of polls for polarisation politics. But this time she has been direct in her attack as she claimed the temples could be targeted by BJP. “They have tried every trick during Bengal assembly elections in 2021, claimed they would win 200 seats but they had failed. This time they have given a call for 400 seats in the country. How will they cross 400 seats if they are not winning in states? Thus they are desperate to do anything in Bengal after the Sandeshkhali embarrassment. I will urge people to be vigilant”, she added.