West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sharply criticised the BJP after two chicken patty sellers were assaulted at a mega Gita recital event in Kolkata. She said her government would not tolerate intimidation and reminded the crowd that Bengal rejects attempts to import divisive politics.
Kolkata Police arrested three men for attacking the vendors at the Paanch Lokkho Konthe Gita Paath at Brigade Parade Ground on December 7. The victims, from Topsia and Arambagh, went to the venue to sell patties. The accused allegedly threw away their stock and forced them to do sit-ups while holding their ears. A viral video helped the police track down the attackers.
Speaking at a rally in Krishnanagar, Mamata Banerjee said, “This is West Bengal, not Uttar Pradesh. They beat patty sellers, and we arrested all of them last night.” She accused the BJP of using religious texts for political mobilisation and warned that such tactics aim to divide people.
She added that faith belongs in the heart, not on political stages. She urged citizens to protect Bengal’s inclusive culture and reject forces that try to stoke communal tension.
