Everybody has right to practice own religion: Mamata

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said India stands for unity in diversity and each one of us has the right to practice his own religion.

She was speaking at a function organised in Khidderpore on the occasion of Chhath festival.

"India stands for unity in diversity, where everybody has the right to practice his or her religion and customs. I take part in all festivals, be it Durga Puja, Eid, Christmas or Chhath Puja," Banerjee said, adding that she extended greetings to Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo Lalu Prasad on Thursday.

She added that from time immemorial, people from Bihar have come to Bengal and settled here. "Here in Bengal, the faith and views of one and all are respected. And so on October 27, there will be holiday in the state and this is for the first time when holiday is being given," she said.

Banerjee said there was a time when people complained of poor maintenance of the ghats. "The condition of the ghats was poor and lighting arrangements were pathetic. People, particularly womenfolk, had no proper place where they could sit and perform the puja. After coming to power, the state government has upgraded the ghats. Proper lighting arrangements have been installed and now people can perform the puja peacefully."

Banerjee said it is the culture and tradition of Bengal to respect the views of every community.

On her Twitter handle too, Banerjee wished everybody a "Happy Chhath Puja".