Guwahati, April 28: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on April 28 criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over remarks in which she allegedly claimed that Hindus in the state are safe from a particular community because of her.
In a post on X, Sarma described the statement as “outright dangerous, divisive and communal,” adding that such comments were inappropriate for a sitting Chief Minister. He further warned that the remark pointed to a deeper governance concern in West Bengal.
Sarma argued that suggesting safety depends on individual intervention reflects administrative shortcomings rather than strength. He said the statement indicated underlying issues in governance and alleged that demographic changes were affecting the state’s social fabric.
The Assam Chief Minister also intensified his criticism of the ruling All India Trinamool Congress, accusing it of fostering what he termed “appeasement politics, riots, syndicate rule, and violence.” He referred to the Sandeshkhali incident, where allegations of exploitation and land-related disputes had emerged, as indicative of the situation.
Claiming that a “climate of fear” prevails, Sarma said residents were increasingly disillusioned with the current administration. He also indicated that the Bharatiya Janata Party is positioning itself for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, expressing confidence that voters would seek change.
The remarks mark the latest escalation in an ongoing exchange between Sarma and Banerjee, as political tensions rise ahead of what is expected to be a closely contested electoral battle.
