‘I don't need to steal': Mamata Banerjee on Jagannath Temple row, accuses Odisha of ‘targeting' migrants from Bengal
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticised Odisha, addressing the ongoing controversy surrounding the Digha Jagannath Dham and the alleged mistreatment of Bengali migrant labourers.
Regarding the Digha temple, she refuted accusations of theft, stating, 'Jagannath Dham has massively affected you, hasn't it? It is being said that I even stole a neem plant. I have four neem plants in my own house. The mother of thieves shouts more… Mamata Banerjee doesn't need to steal from anywhere. Our deity is of marble. They should also know that one can buy a Jagannath statue.'
The Chief Minister made these remarks after meeting MPs and MLAs in Murshidabad's Berhampore, where violence broke out last month.
Banerjee dismissed claims that the West Bengal government used wood from the Puri shrine, asserting, 'Daitapati brought it, not from where they are claiming. I heard he was called yesterday, he straightaway told them it was false. It is heard that he has been questioned why he came here.'
She further questioned Odisha's stance, highlighting Bengal's support during crises. 'So much jealousy of Jagannath Dham? When you face electricity scarcity, Bengal arranges it. I love Odisha. When, during a cyclone, all your wires get damaged, you seek our engineers. Despite us being affected by the cyclone too, we sent them. The maximum number of tourists from Bengal visit Puri and Odisha. Bengal tourists visit from here throughout the year. What is your problem if we have one Jagannath Dham? You stay happy, let Bengal also stay happy.'
Banerjee also raised concerns about the alleged targeting of Bengali-speaking individuals in Odisha and other states. 'Why are you targeting and beating Bengali-speaking people? I have come to know that in Odisha, people are being beaten up for speaking in Bengali. Even in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, similar things happened.'
She contrasted this with Bengal's treatment of migrant workers. 'You are targeting my migrant laborers for speaking in Bengali, but we will not do this. That is the difference between you and us. We in Bengal have 1.5 crore migrant labourers who work here — they are from different states,' she said.
'Jealousy has no cure. There is no medicine for jealousy. I do not want any misunderstanding with anyone. Our Chief Secretary is sending a letter to the Bihar, Rajasthan, and Odisha governments. Our DG has most probably already spoken to their DGP in Odisha. May good sense prevail… Please remember,' she said.he said.
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