'Yogi Biggest Bhogi', Says Mamata Targeting UP Chief Minister Over Bengal Waqf Violence Remarks

A day after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the recent bouts of violence in Murshidabad and Bhangar, Banerjee on Wednesday retaliated with the "Yogi is the biggest Bhogi" jibe.

While addressing a gathering of Imams after the violence in Bengal during protests against the Waqf Amendment Act, Banerjee said, "Yogi is saying big things. He is the biggest Bhogi (meaning materialist). Multiple lives were lost in Mahakumbh. Many people are killed in encounters in Uttar Pradesh. Yogi doesn't let people take out rallies. There is a lot of freedom in Bengal."

Speaking during a meeting with the Muslim religious leaders Banerjee further added, "BJP is bringing goons from outside the state... it is their plan. You people jointly foiled their plan on Ramnavami. You need to be alert. I would also like to say that there are traitors in every society... If BJP tries to incite in the name of Hindu-Muslim then you all have to play a role... Imam sahab should play a role. We want peace. Till the time we are here, we won't let anyone to divide Hindu-Muslim."

'Danda Is The Only Treatment': Yogi On Bengal Waqf Violence

On Tuesday, targeting the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government, Adityanath said "Bengal is burning" and its Chief Minister is "silent".

He also said "danda" is the "only treatment for rioters". "Danda is the only treatment for rioters. You can see, Bengal is burning. The Chief Minister is silent. She is calling rioters 'peace ambassadors'. Laton ke bhoot baaton se kahan manne wale hain (Those who understand only the language of beatings don't understand words)," he said.

“In the name of secularism, they have given complete freedom to rioters to create unrest. The entire Murshidabad has been on fire for the last week, yet the government remains silent. Such anarchy must be brought under control,” he added.

Yogi Adityanath also criticised the Congress and the Samajwadi Party over their silence on the issue.

"I thank the judiciary there for deploying central forces to ensure the safety of the minority Hindus in the area. The Congress is silent on the riots in Murshidabad. The Samajwadi Party is also quiet," he said

BJP Responds

According to report by NDTV, in response to CM Banerjee's remarks today, UP BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi told, "Yogiji made the remarks about rioters. Mamata Banerjee did not like it because she nurtured these rioters. Yogi Adityanath made Uttar Pradesh riot-free. Her remarks are baseless. She can learn from the Uttar Pradesh model."

Moreover, the Leader of the Opposition in the Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, reportedly said Yogi Adityanath must come to the state and address the people.

"I thank him for speaking out against the lawlessness in Bengal. I thank NHRC and NCW for coming to Bengal," he said.

Anti-Waqf Violence In Bengal

The fresh bout of violence in South 24 Pargana's Bhangar erupted days after Murshidabad witnessed violent protests which killed three people while several others were injured. Over 150 people were later arrested in connection with the violence.

Several people fled the district and crossed the river to the adjoining district of Malda, seeking protection and shelter. Visuals from Murshidabad showed houses, shops and other property being burned down by large crowds.

Besides Murshidabad, a fresh violence broke out on Monday between the supporters of the opposition Indian Secular Front (ISF) and the police at Bhangar in South 24 Parganas district, leading to injuries to several people and torching of multiple police vehicles.

According to the officials, police have arrested two people so far while one police personnel has sustained injuries. As per media reports, anti-Waqf protesters clashed with the city police and set a van and other vehicles on fire.

Videos on social media showed how the roads were blocked by those from the minority community. Videos also depicted police bikes being set on fire while a police bus was turned over with its front glass broken. The videos also showed many police officers present on the streets.

Taking cognisance of the outrage in Bengal, CM Mamata Banerjee on Monday urged people not to fall prey to any provocation. “Everybody has the democratic right to stage a peaceful protest with permission. I will request people not to take the law into their own hands. To protect the law, we have custodians and do not need any demon", she said, as per PTI.

“Please do not indulge in non-religious activities in the name of religion,” she said while adding, “Live in peace. The land of Bengal is the land of peace. Its soil is as pure as gold.”

"We live once and die once. So, why is there a riot? Every caste and religion has the right to protest, but do not take law into your hands...Some people are trying to mislead you, do not pay attention to them", news agency ANI quoted her as saying.