Mamata Banerjee Defends Visit to Furfura Sharif, Rejects 'Appeasement' Allegations

By A Staff Reporter

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday hit back at critics who alleged that her visit to Furfura Sharif was politically motivated and aimed at appeasing the Muslim community ahead of elections. Defending her stance, Banerjee questioned why her visits to religious sites were being viewed through a communal lens.

"As I came to Furfura Sharif, they are saying it is due to elections and for Muslim appeasement. Why? When I go to Kashi Vishwanath, is it for Hindu appeasement? When I go to a church, is it Christian appeasement? I go to events of all religions," she said.

Banerjee, who has often positioned herself as a leader promoting religious harmony, reiterated that her engagements with different faith communities were part of her broader commitment to secularism. She emphasized that she attends religious and cultural events across communities, irrespective of political considerations.

Her remarks come amid heightened political tensions in West Bengal, where religion has often been a focal point in electoral battles. With the upcoming elections, opposition parties have accused Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress (TMC) of playing identity politics. However, she countered these claims, stating that her administration has always upheld the principles of inclusivity and social unity.