Divisive agenda of groups may lead to riot, says Mamata

Tarakeshwar: Without naming the BJP Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Friday that some groups with vested interest were circulating rumours just to incite the Hindus against the Muslims which might snowball into a major riot before the Lok Sabha polls.

Addressing a gathering here on Friday afternoon, she said: "Rumours are being spread that child-lifters are loitering in some areas and women wearing burquas are seen in those areas. People are beating them up. Some groups are spreading rumours that Muslim women are being beaten up and heckled by the Hindus resulting in creating differences between the members of these two communities. Be careful and inform the police whenever you suspect anything. As the head of the government I will tell you that lies have been circulated in very subtle ways to confuse you and divide you. We are not going to tolerate any division of attempt to disturb social peace and harmony," she said.

Banerjee said saffron-coloured attire were worn by monks of Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevasram Sangha and these monks were inspired by the philosophy of sacrifice and service.

"Now some people are wearing saffron -coloured attire to pose as sadhus. They are fake sadhus who are trying to divide society," she said.

In Bengal the philosophy of Hinduism that speaks about toleration and acceptance is followed and nowhere children are taught to develop hatred for the people of other communities, she said.

"I was born in a Hindu family but my parents never taught me to hate people belonging to other communities and religion. This is Bengal's culture and we will continue to follow it. We will not allow those who try to organise riot in Bengal," said the Chief Minister.

"We have renovated temples, mosques and churches and want that people from different religions, caste and creed continue to live peacefully in Bengal," she further said.

Referring to her movement in Singur in favour of the farmers who had been opposing acquisition of their farmland by the erstwhile Left Front government , she said during her 14-day dharna in Singur local people used to bring food for her. "How can I forget those days. This was followed by a fast that lasted for 26 days at Esplanade on the same issue. People of Singur had offered full support."

She said the state government had taken up a slew of projects for the development of the farmers. "Not only their annual income has trebled, in Singur the state government has returned the land of the farmers. It is a great achievement as we had promised them to return their land. A martyrs column will soon be set up at Singur," she said.

Banerjee said a project had been taken to control flood in Hooghly, Howrah and east Burdwan districts at an estimated cost of around Rs 2,300 crore. Another ecotourism hub is coming up at Balagarh. The birthplace of Raja Rammohan Roy will be renovated and a tourist centre will be set up, she said.

Banerjee laid the foundation stone of Rani Rashmoni Green University and inaugurated Mati Tirtha.