Mamata Banerjee Calls for Communal Harmony in Jalpaiguri

PTI, CHALSA, March 24, 2026 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said no division should be created among people based on religion, and the schemes of her government were meant for members of all faiths.

Addressing a gathering at a church at Chalsa in north Bengal's Jalpaiguri district, the Trinamool Congress supremo said she believed in humanity and brotherhood, which was the underlying message of every religion. However, she did not name any party or individual.

On arrival from Kolkata, Banerjee headed straight to the St Lucy Church, met the Bishop and other priests, watched a cultural performance arranged in the premises, and then prayed inside the church.

"We celebrate all festivals together. We don't create division among people. Our motto remains 'dharmo jar jar utsav sabar' (Religion is individual, festivals are universal). We believe in live and let live," Banerjee said.

Christmas remains an important occasion not only for the members of the Christian community but also for people cutting across faiths, and it shows the inclusive culture and tradition of Bengal, she said.

The CM said the 100 social welfare initiatives by her government have been aimed at reaching out to everyone.

Banerjee has come to the northern part of the state to campaign for the assembly election. Before leaving for the region, the Trinamool supremo said at Kolkata airport that she will visit Maynaguri, Dabgram-Fulbari, and Matigara constituencies on Wednesday.