Kolkata, April 16: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched a strong verbal assault on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of endangering democracy and attempting to control people’s daily lives. Speaking at a rally in Cooch Behar, Banerjee alleged that the BJP’s ambition was to dictate citizens’ eating and sleeping habits, suggesting they might even enforce the consumption of cow urine (referred to as ‘gaumutra’) with morning tea and cow dung (‘gobar’) for lunch. She warned that the BJP’s control over individuals’ choices posed a serious threat to personal freedoms.
Banerjee’s remarks come in the midst of controversy surrounding a video featuring Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav enjoying fish fry, which drew criticism from BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Banerjee further cautioned against the BJP’s potential to incite violence and riots during the upcoming Ram Navami celebrations on April 17, alleging that the BJP has permeated law enforcement agencies with their ‘saffron ideology’ to perpetuate conflict and chaos.
Accusing the BJP of undermining the country’s democratic principles, Banerjee urged the public to vote against the incumbent government in order to preserve the nation’s independence. She warned that the BJP’s vision was autocratic and aimed at consolidating power under a single leader, as reflected in their motto of ‘one leader, one nation, one speech, one meal’.
Additionally, Banerjee criticized the Election Commission for allegedly favoring the BJP and expressed readiness to go on a hunger strike outside the commission’s office if any riots occur during the election period. She pointed to recent changes in police leadership, which she attributed to BJP influence and speculated that it could be aimed at provoking unrest. Banerjee pledged to protest for 55 days outside the Election Commission’s office if necessary, highlighting her determination to challenge what she perceives as unfair practices undermining democratic norms.
