Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday lashed out at his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee over her remarks on the BJP-sponsored 12-hour shutdown which was marked by sporadic instances of violence, accusing her of spreading unrest and divisive politics across India.
“Don't show us red eyes. Don't try to set India on fire with your politics of failure. It does not suit you to speak divisive language,” he added.
Sarma's sharp remarks came after Banerjee attacked the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the violence during the bandh.
Speaking at the foundation day event of the Trinamool Congress's (TMC) student wing, Banerjee said, “Some people think this (agitation) is similar to the protests in Bangladesh. I love Bangladesh, they speak like us (Bengal). Our culture is also the same. However, Bangladesh is a different country.”
"PM Modi, you are trying to create unrest in Bengal through your people. But remember, if you burn Bengal, Assam, the North-East, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Delhi will also burn," Banerjee said.
Banerjee also remarked that her previous slogan of ‘badla noy, badal chai’ (no revenge, only change) needed to be updated to reflect changing times and situations.
The West Bengal chief minister was referring to the student-led protests in Bangladesh which led to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
