Himanta Biswa Sarma targets Mamata Banerjee over religious remarks ahead of Bengal polls

Kolkata: With the first phase of polling completed in West Bengal, political campaigning for the second phase has intensified, with sharp exchanges between leaders dominating the election narrative. Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched a fresh attack on Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of neglecting Hindu sentiments in the state.

Addressing an election rally in Kalna, Sarma criticised Banerjee’s public speeches, alleging that she frequently uses phrases such as “Inshallah” and “Khuda Hafiz” while avoiding references to Hindu religious expressions. He stated that while there is no objection to the use of such phrases, leaders should also acknowledge and respect the sentiments of all communities.

Sarma remarked that Banerjee should “learn to say ‘Jai Shri Ram’” and occasionally invoke names such as Goddess Durga and Goddess Kali, which hold deep cultural and religious significance in Bengal. He further alleged that the Chief Minister’s speeches reflect an imbalance in addressing religious sentiments.

Continuing his criticism, the Assam Chief Minister claimed that watching Banerjee’s speeches reveals a pattern in her rhetoric, suggesting that she often uses certain religious expressions while addressing crowds. He argued that this approach may alienate sections of the population and stressed the need for inclusive messaging in a diverse society.

Sarma also issued a political warning, stating that failure to recognise the presence and sentiments of Hindu voters in the state could have electoral consequences. His remarks are part of a broader campaign strategy by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been focusing on issues of identity and cultural representation in the run-up to the elections.

The BJP leader further criticised statements made by certain individuals in the state regarding the construction of religious structures, questioning the legitimacy of such claims and calling for adherence to constitutional norms and legal frameworks.

Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee and her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), have consistently rejected such allegations, maintaining that their governance and political messaging are inclusive and focused on development. Banerjee has often countered criticism by accusing opposition leaders of attempting to polarise voters along religious lines.

The ongoing exchange highlights the increasingly sharp tone of political discourse in West Bengal as the election progresses. With multiple phases of voting still to be held, both the ruling party and the opposition are intensifying their outreach efforts to consolidate voter support.

As campaigning continues, issues of identity, religion, and governance are expected to remain central to the political debate in the state, reflecting the high-stakes nature of the electoral battle.