CM Defends Bengal’s Safety Record, Blames Opposition for Attempting to Divide People

PTI, KOLKATA, OCT 17, 2025 : Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday accused the BJP of attempting to divide people by spreading misinformation during elections and asserted that the state is one of the safest in the country.

Speaking at a Kali Puja inauguration at Janbazar here, Mamata said some people visit the state only during elections and make false claims about law and order to malign its image. "There are some who only come when elections are near. They spread lies and try to divide people. You say Bengal is not safe, but don’t people move freely and safely across the state?" she asked.

Citing the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data that ranked Kolkata as the safest metro city, she said, "Ask yourself honestly — what is your own experience? People here live in peace and harmony."

Referring to the recent case of an alleged rape of a student in Durgapur, the Chief Minister said, "I don’t want a single incident to occur. But if something happens, we act immediately. There are many cases in other states where victims and their families do not even get justice."

Without naming the BJP directly, Mamata accused opposition parties of conspiring against the state by moving to court to invalidate jobs given to eligible candidates. "There are people who go to court and try to take away jobs of educated youth. But we work for the people, and they cannot stop us. We must defeat their agenda," she said.

Mamata’s remarks came in the backdrop of court orders canceling the recruitment of several teaching and non-teaching staff following petitions against alleged irregularities by state recruitment panels.

At another Kali Puja event at Girish Park Five Star Sporting Club, the Chief Minister accused political opponents of using fake images and photoshopped content to spread misinformation. "They spread lies, take part in photo sessions, but are never with the people. But their propaganda fails because the public can see through fake narratives," she said.

Taking a veiled dig at recent visits by BJP leaders to the state, Mamata said, "They come in droves during elections and bring outsiders into localities to push their agenda. We must not fall for their machinations."

Referring to the preaching of Swami Vivekananda, who always spoke about Bharat's unique unity in diversity, the CM said, "Bengal exemplifies the tradition of universal brotherhood where festivals like Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Diwali, Chhat, Christmas, Gangasagar, and Eid are celebrated with equal enthusiasm."

"Religion means humanity. Religion does not mean dividing people and spreading hatred," she added.