'Sacrificing her life would be inadequate': BJP reacts to Mamata Banerjee over 'we are secular' remark

NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday hit out at West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee over her remarks about religious harmony and accused her of failing to maintain law and order in the state.
BJP's response came after Banerjee, speaking at an Eidgah on Eid-ul-Fitr, declared she was "ready to sacrifice" her life for all religions and accused opposition parties of orchestrating communal violence. Her statement came following clashes in Mothabari, Malda district, on March 27, which led to 61 arrests and the suspension of internet services in three areas. Additional director general (ADG) law and order Jawed Shamim stated that the situation was "completely under control."
Banerjee, addressing the violence, had said, "We are secular. Navratri is going on; I extend my best wishes for that as well, but we do not want riots to take place... We will fight alone. We are ready to sacrifice our lives for all religions. The duty of the majority is to protect the minority, and the duty of the minority is to stay with the majority."
Responding to this, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya launched a scathing attack on the chief minister, alleging that she had lost control over law and order in the state. "Her offer to sacrifice her life as atonement for her sins would be inadequate, given the numerous deaths in multiple anti-Hindu riots (the list is endless), the use of rape as a tool of political suppression (Sandeshkhali being a glaring example), and the countless lives destroyed by extortion and corruption (including the rape and murder of a lady doctor at RG Kar MCH) under her rule," Malviya wrote on X.

Malviya further claimed that Hindu religious events and properties were being targeted by "Muslim mobs," referencing incidents in Murshidabad and Purba Medinipur districts. "Mamata Banerjee is pushing West Bengal toward a dangerous transformation—one that mirrors Bangladesh's past. The BJP will not allow her to succeed," he said.
"This is not the time for empty rhetoric. She must first ensure the safety of Hindus in West Bengal and put an end to the targeting of their religious festivals. Mamata Banerjee must abandon any illusions of turning Bengal into Bangladesh—such a dream will never materialize. In 2026, Bengal will rise against her oppressive rule and dismantle her crumbling regime. Her time in power is running out," Malviya added.