“Bengal Is Not UP”: Mamata Banerjee Condemns Assault on Non-Veg Food Vendors at Gita Recital

By A Staff Reporter

KOLKATA (Dec 11): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday strongly criticised the assault on two non-vegetarian food vendors during a Gita recital event in Kolkata, asserting that her government would not permit such acts of intimidation or vigilante behaviour in the state.

Speaking at a public meeting in Krishnanagar in Nadia district, Banerjee said prompt action had already been taken by the police. “All of them (accused) have been arrested. This is West Bengal, not Uttar Pradesh. They beat up patty sellers… we arrested everyone last night,” she told the gathering.

The chief minister said that incidents targeting individuals over food choices had no place in a state that prided itself on social harmony and cultural diversity. She alleged that the BJP was attempting to “import divisive politics” into Bengal by provoking tensions and creating an atmosphere of fear.

Banerjee added that her government would continue to act firmly against those trying to disturb peace and communal harmony. “Bengal believes in inclusiveness. We will not allow anyone to spread hatred or threaten livelihoods,” she said.