Mamata Banerjee's "Lollipop" Reply To 'Occupy Bengal' Claim From Bangladesh

Mamata Banerjee's remarks are politically significant because BJP has launched a campaign with an eye on the Bangladesh situation.

Amid growing tension between New Delhi and Dhaka, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today asked the media and political leaders to keep calm and ensure that provocative remarks don't impact the peace in the border state.

Addressing the Assembly, the Trinamool Congress chief said everyone is concerned about the atrocities against Hindu minorities in the neighbouring country. "Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, or Christians don't start riots. Anti-social elements start riots. We should not make any remark that creates a bad situation in Bengal. I am happy that both Hindus and the Muslim minority here are protesting against atrocities in Bangladesh. This shows our secular nature," she said.

She said minority leaders wanted to take out a rally. "I asked them not to. Many people use this as an opportunity. They would start another riot. We don't want riots, we want peace. Hindus and Muslims and Sikhs and Christians have the same blood," Ms Banerjee said.