Nitish supports Mamata, describes her protagonist of harmony

With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attacking West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over Malda violence, accusing her of playing communal politics, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday came out in support of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief.

“Mamata Banerjee has been a great ‘Himayati’ (protagonist) of communal harmony,” Kumar said. He said he did not have details of the Malda violence. However, he said, all efforts should be made to maintain social and communal amity in the country.

Kumar’s support to Banerjee comes at a time when she is battling BJP’s blistering attack over Malda violence.

Kumar has been enjoying a close relationship with Mamata Banerjee, who had attended his swearing-in ceremony in November last year in Patna.

Violence had broken out at Kaliachak in Malda district on December 3 over an alleged remark of a BJP leader. 

Protesters had set fire to a police station and damaged vehicles. The West Bengal Chief Minister had said there was no communal tension in the area and described the incident as a fallout of an issue between BSF and the local people.