Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has sharply criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her remarks that were perceived as a threat to Assam’s peace.
The controversy erupted following a public rally where Mamata Banerjee, known for her fiery speeches, allegedly warned that if Bengal burns, so will Assam, a statement that has ignited a political firestorm.
Commemorating the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad’s foundation day, Mamata Banerjee made comments that were interpreted by many as a threat to neighboring states, including Assam.
This led to an immediate backlash from Assam’s political front, with Chief Minister Sarma directly addressing the issue. He retorted, “How dare you threaten Assam?” emphasizing that such statements could incite unrest and were unbecoming of a leader of her stature.
The BJP, supporting Sarma’s stance, labeled Ms. Banerjee’s comments as anti-national, escalating the row further.
Meanwhile, opposition parties in Assam, not to be left behind in the political fray, lodged a police complaint against Sarma, alleging he was promoting enmity between different groups, showcasing the deep political divides and the use of such incidents for political leverage.
Political analysts say the row comes at a time when both states have been dealing with internal political challenges, and the inter-state spat seems to serve as a distraction or perhaps a strategy to consolidate voter bases by highlighting regional pride and security. They say that while such public spats might energize the voter base, they could also lead to unnecessary tension between states that share historical, cultural, and economic ties.