Follow Gandhian peace path: Mamata Banerjee

The Asian Age.

Metros, Kolkata

Trinamul Congress supremo observed that divisive politics and bloodshed could not be the aim of the leader of the nation.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata: A day after Union home minister Amit Shah expressed his resolve to enforce the National Register of Citizens in West Bengal to throw out the infiltrators, chief minister Mamata Banerjee asserted that no one needs to issue a fresh sermon in the country.

Drawing a comparison with icons Mahatma Gandhi and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, she said  that the national leaders must follow the path of peace and communal harmony like them, taking people of all faiths along with them. Without taking the names of the BJP leaders, the Trinamul Congress supremo observed that divisive politics and bloodshed could not be the aim of the leader of the nation.

Paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary at an event on Mayo Road, she said, “We have learnt the eternal lessons of non-violence, peace and harmony. We will abide by his principles. No one is required to give a fresh sermon in India. Only those can give sermons who have the right to do so.”

Ms Banerjee observed, “Only those can become the leaders of the nation who are fit to be. How should the leader of the nation be? Like Gandhiji and Netaji because they led the nation taking all the religions, castes and creed. Creating division, trigerring riot, instigating violence and carrying out bloodshed cannot be the goal of a leader of the nation. This is what Gandhiji had preached in his philosophy and thoughts.”

She added, “Gandhiji is hailed not only in India but worldwide because of his ideology of peace, humanity, non-violence and transparent thoughts.  His movements help us to learn democracy.”

Ms Banerjee’s views however came within hours of a controversy which broke out after BJP MP of Barrackpore Arjun Singh alleged that he was not invited by the Trinamul Congress government to an event, attended by Governor Jagdeep Dhankar, at Gandhi Ghat on the great's 150th birth anniversary in Barrackpore in North 24 Parganas.

Mr Singh who waited outside the venue claimed, “The state government plays politics even in maintaining courtesy. I am the local MP. But I was not invited to the government event attended by the governor. During Mamata Banerjee’s rule, no courtesy call happens with the Opposition.”

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