Wed Mar 12 08:24:00 UTC 2025: ## Bengal Assembly erupts as Banerjee, BJP clash over communalism
**Kolkata, India** – The West Bengal Assembly witnessed a heated exchange on Wednesday between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the BJP, with both sides trading accusations of communalism ahead of the 2026 state elections.
The fiery debate began with BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari accusing Banerjee’s government of being anti-Hindu and threatening to remove Muslim MLAs from the Assembly if the BJP comes to power. Adhikari’s statement, which he had previously made on Tuesday, was condemned as hate speech by Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh. Many senior BJP leaders declined to comment on Adhikari’s remarks.
Banerjee responded forcefully, asserting her Hindu identity while rejecting the BJP’s attempts to certify her faith. She accused the BJP of using communal rhetoric to distract from economic issues and criticized their targeting of Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of India’s secular principles and her commitment to the welfare of all citizens, regardless of religion.
The verbal sparring escalated into a physical protest outside the Assembly building by BJP lawmakers. Banerjee warned the BJP against exploiting religious sentiments for political gain, stating, “Do not play the ‘Hindu card’.” The clash underscores the rising political tensions in West Bengal as the 2026 elections approach.
First Piper 