RSS & VHP trying to divide nation: Mamata

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said here on Monday that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh(RSS) and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) were trying to organise nationwide riots and the BJP was in favor of a shadow war before the Lok Sabha elections.

Talking to mediapersons on Monday Banerjee said the BJP, RSS and VHP were trying to divide people and use the situation to their favor. She urged the people not to get swayed by any rumor and maintain communal peace and harmony. She also instructed police to take stringent steps to foil any attempt that affects peace and social stability.

"While, we are trying to maintain national harmony and peace, the RSS, VHP and BJP are trying to utilize the situation to divide people. Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are behaving as if they are the only nationalists in the country," she said.

Talking about the recent terror attack in Pulwama, Banerjee asked why a high-level committee had not been set up to probe into the incident. "More than 2,000 jawans were been ferried from one place to another at a time when there were an intelligence report that there could be an attack on them. It is startling that 78 convoys had been passing through areas that were vulnerable. There should be an inquiry to find out whose negligence led to the incident. The jawans did not die while fighting. They have been killed. We want punishment for those who are involved," she said.

Banerjee further said: "Every night a few RSS and VHP supporters raid many areas with Indian flags to create panic among Muslims and the Kashmiris. I

have information that these RSS and VHP supporters threaten people in Bongaon and Kolkata. In Hooghly, they raided

a place where people of particular community had organised an event. I am not

going to tolerate this. I have instructed senior police officers to take stern action against those who are trying to create

communal tension. We in Bengal live in communal peace and harmony and

we not going to compromise on it at any cost."

Banerjee urged local residents, local clubs and NGOs not to fall in the trap of RSS and VHP.

"We are united and no one can divide us. Keep your eyes and ears open and wherever you see people spreading communalism, inform the police immediately. The RSS is trying to vitiate the minds of people by circulating false news on social media. Be careful and remain vigilant," she said.