Mamata Banerjee Appeals for Peace
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recently urged the people of West Bengal to maintain peace and not to heed any rumors regarding the ongoing Bangladesh crisis. She expressed her support for whatever decision the Union government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, takes on the matter.
Kangana Ranaut's Response
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) Kangana Ranaut commented on Mamata Banerjee's stance, saying that Banerjee had no choice but to support the Union government. Ranaut, who is also an actor, claimed that this is the first time Banerjee has "accepted Bengal as part of India."
Ranaut's Statement on Social Media
Kangana Ranaut, MP from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, wrote on X/Twitter :
"For the first time, Mamata didi accepted that Bengal is a part of India and supported the Centre, remembering the Prime Minister. What a scene! She knows she will be the first to face Bangladeshi refugees whom she has given shelter when they come with daggers. But Mamata didi can be rest assured. She will be protected in Ram Rajya. Nothing to worry about as the country is in safe hands."
Background of the Bangladesh Crisis
The comments from Ranaut came a day after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh resigned and fled the country amid weeks-long protests against her government and family. Hasina’s exit, ending her 15-year rule, led to arson and vandalism on the streets, targeting residences, offices, and other buildings associated with her party, the Awami League.
Ranaut's Broader Remarks
On August 6, Ranaut remarked that the developments in Bangladesh are characteristic of all Islamic republics, where there are always attempts to "annihilate" other religions. She mentioned that similar situations develop in all Islamic republics at some point or other. Ranaut also indirectly referred to anti-immigrant protests in Britain, claiming that Christians were being attacked in the streets there.
Ranaut's comments seemed to refer to reports of mob attacks on Hindu temples in Bangladesh, with violence continuing even after Hasina's resignation following the anti-reservation protests by student groups.
Final Thoughts
Kangana Ranaut concluded by saying, "We should be vigilant about those who are misguiding the country and want to sell the nation to international forces, and also those who are voting for them."