"Why should I need a certificate from BJP to prove I am Hindu or Muslim?": CM Mamata

A heated exchange unfolded in the West Bengal Assembly as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly criticized the BJP for questioning her religious identity. Responding to accusations of appeasement, she said, "Why should I need a certificate from BJP to prove whether I am a Hindu or a Muslim?" The confrontation began after BJP Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government of being "anti-Hindu" and engaging in minority appeasement.

Banerjee defended her stance, asserting that her government represents all communities. She pointed out that Trinamool had given "79% of tickets to Hindus" and that she would not accept lessons on religious identity from the BJP. She also stated, "It is our responsibility to protect Hinduism, not the BJP's. We will protect all religions." The Chief Minister accused the BJP of using communal rhetoric to divert attention from governance and economic issues, particularly during the holy month of Ramzan.

The verbal clash intensified when Adhikari remarked that Muslim MLAs from Trinamool would be "physically thrown out" if the BJP came to power. The statement was condemned by TMC’s Kunal Ghosh, who called it "hate speech" and a violation of constitutional values. BJP MLAs protested against the government inside the Assembly, tearing papers and staging a walkout. Banerjee, in response, asserted, "As long as I am here, injustice will not be done to anyone."

During the session, Banerjee dismissed allegations that she had damaged Assembly furniture and challenged the opposition to provide proof. "I did not break any chair in the Assembly. If they can prove it, I will resign as CM immediately," she declared. The BJP, in turn, accused TMC of suppressing dissent and claimed that Hindu temples in the state were being vandalized. Banerjee countered by reaffirming her government’s commitment to secularism and unity, urging all parties to "respect every religion."

With the 2026 West Bengal elections approaching, the BJP has intensified its attacks on Banerjee’s leadership, focusing on religious polarization. Banerjee, meanwhile, warned against attempts to create divisions, stating, "Do not play the Hindu card in Bengal. BJP cannot even handle Manipur properly, yet they talk about ruling Bengal." She also reminded the Assembly that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had won elections from Bengal, emphasizing that she would not allow the state to be divided along communal lines.