Mamata slams BJP over Gujarat attacks on migrants

Kolkata/ Ahmedabad: Reacting sharply to the incidents of attacks on "migrants" from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in Gujarat, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attacked the BJP, saying: "It is dangerous and it is happening only in BJP-ruled states." The Chief Minister said this in reply to a question when she was leaving Nabanna on Tuesday. She said: "This is dangerous. Despite the arrest of around 370 people in this connection, the situation has not improved."

"They are saying that they will not allow people of other castes, creeds and religions to stay there (Gujarat). It is a dangerous trend and I am afraid of the situation," she added. Banerjee, who has been repeatedly attacking the BJP for disturbing peace and harmony in the country, said, "People from different parts of the country and of all religions stay in Kolkata. There is no problem at all. Everyone lives here in peace."

"Such activities are taking place only in BJP-ruled states. They are creating confusion among the people," Banerjee said, adding: "united we stand, divided we fall". It may be recalled that the Chief Minister had earlier made a scathing attack at the Centre for the incidents which are the "outcome of intolerance".

She also raised her voice against its various anti-people moves. The Chief Minister had attacked the Centre on Gandhi Jayanti as well, saying: "Today the country is passing through a crisis period and it is in a state of unrest. Steps are needed to be taken so that unity among people remains intact and the country doesn't get divided. This is the country where people from all castes, creeds and religions remain together.

'So, it is important to ensure that the communal harmony of the country doesn't get disturbed. Today is the day to take oath that we will never let anyone divide or sell the country."

In a recent tweet on the day of International Day of Peace on September 21, the Chief Minister had stated: "…Respect for human rights and consequently, the right to live in peace and dignity, must always be respected." When incidents of intolerance were taking place at different parts of the country, Banerjee took various steps in ensuring peace and harmony in Bengal. She took all necessary initiatives so that the peace and harmony of the state doesn't get disturbed.

Following her directions, the police and state administration have foiled several attempts of creating disturbances in the state. Banerjee had pointed out that spreading rumours and bringing in people from neighbouring states to create disturbance were attempts to hamper the steady growth of Bengal.

Thousands of Hindi-speaking migrant workers have left Gujarat in the wake of violence following an alleged rape incident, even as industry representatives Tuesday said normalcy has returned after three days of disruptions at factories.

Functioning at industries remained affected for a few days after violence erupted following the rape of a toddler allegedly by a man from Bihar but normalcy started returning Tuesday with units in north Gujarat resuming operations, they said.

Sanand, a major industrial hub near Ahmedabad housing around 250 big and small industrial units, faced disruptions for at least three days as most of the factories remained shut with migrant workers staying away from work.