CM sermon on tolerance - Mamata reminder to abide by constitution

Mamata in Siliguri on Thursday. Picture by Kundan Yolmo

BIRESWAR BANERJEE, TT, Siliguri, Nov.5: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today spoke about intolerance and said every one should keep in mind the essence of the Constitution, which is the "Laxman rekha" (final limit) for those in power, before making irresponsible comments.

Mamata, who flew to Calcutta from Bagdogra today after a five-day trip to north Bengal, spoke to reporters soon before her convoy rolled out of Sukna forest bungalow, 10km from here, this afternoon.

"The Indian Constitution advocates secularism and anybody who is in power, whether in panchayats or those holding offices as ministers, have sworn on the Constitution. All of us, who are in power, will have to maintain this limit, which is the Laxman rekha. The basic essence of our Constitution is to walk together, hand in hand. But the manner in which some people, who are in power, are showing intolerance, they are violating the constitution," she said.

"Any political party has to assert before the election commission that it will follow the Indian Constitution. However, the recent irresponsible statements by some political leaders, which are acts of intolerance, are unfortunate and I strongly condemn such statements," the chief minister said without naming anyone.

For the past few days, the issue of intolerance has come into focus following several writers, historians, filmmakers and scientists speaking about it.

President Pranab Mukherjee, Reserve Bank governor Raghuram Rajan, Infosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy and actor Shahrukh Khan have also spoken about the issue.

Counter-comments by some BJP leaders targeting few of the remarks have led to protests in several places of the country.

Today, Mamata also referred to the Dadri lynching in September where a Muslim man was killed on the unfounded suspicion that he had eaten beef .

"For the past couple of years, we have witnessed incidents that have left us worried. Some people are dictating what food one should have and what they should wear. We believe people are free to eat whatever they like and there can be no interference on that," Mamata said.

Referring to the BJP, the chief minister said: "A political party should not only focus on elections or try to create division in the country. The party should instead, act responsibly to expedite development across the country and work for people of all communities and religions. No responsible political party would resort to negative activities and create unnecessary hurdles before people which can deter the country's progress."