New Delhi: A political slugfest intensified between West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, amidst the violence in Murshidabad over protests against the newly-passed Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
Responding to CM Yogi's sharp criticism, Banerjee launched a counterattack on Wednesday, April 16, accusing him of hypocrisy and calling him the “biggest Bhogi”.
CM Banerjee's Sharp Response
During her address at an event attended by Imams, Banerjee dismissed Yogi's remarks and said, “Yogi is saying big things. He is the biggest Bhogi (materialist). Multiple lives were lost in Mahakumbh. Many people are killed in encounters in Uttar Pradesh. Yogi doesn't let people take out rallies. There is a lot of freedom in Bengal."
Her comments came a day after the UP CM questioned her silence on the Murshidabad violence, calling the situation in West Bengal “anarchy” and demanding strict action against rioters.
CM Yogi & the BJP's Response
Addressing a rally in UP, Yogi said, “Danda is the only treatment for rioters. You can see, Bengal is burning. The Chief Minister is silent. She is calling rioters 'peace ambassadors'. Laaton ke bhoot baaton se kahan manne wale hain.”
He further accused the West Bengal government of political appeasement and using secularism as a shield to protect lawbreakers.
UP BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi added, “Yogiji made the remarks about rioters. Mamata Banerjee did not like it because she nurtured these rioters... She can learn from the Uttar Pradesh model.”
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari said Yogi should visit West Bengal and thanked the national commissions for addressing the law and order situation there.
