KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday rejected allegations by BJP MLAs that she has links with terrorists and fundamentalists in Bangladesh, stating that she would resign if they could prove such claims.
Addressing the assembly, Banerjee criticised the saffron party legislators for making "baseless remarks" against her and said she would write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to complain about such claims.
"The BJP leaders and MLAs are making baseless allegations that I have connections with terrorists in Kashmir and terrorists and fundamentalists of Bangladesh. If the BJP can prove I have connections with terrorists and fundamentalists, I would resign," the TMC supremo said.
Banerjee said she would write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, complaining that his party's MLAs were accusing her of having ties with Bangladeshi fundamentalists despite a lack of evidence.
"It is better to die than to be falsely accused of terrorism," she added.
"Freedom of speech does not mean inciting hatred or dividing the House. Freedom of speech is not hate speech. You (BJP MLAs) exploit religion for political gains, but we do not," Banerjee said, emphasising her belief in secularism and the peaceful coexistence of all communities.
She also charged the BJP with using religion for political gains.
Referring to the ongoing tension in Bangladesh, the chief minister highlighted that it was her government's efforts that had ensured peace and harmony in West Bengal amid unrest in the neighbouring country.
Banerjee also condemned remarks accusing her of being associated with the Muslim League.
She also criticised BJP leaders for making divisive statements and spreading misinformation.
Banerjee said she watched a video clip on Monday, in which one political leader during his speech "repeatedly" targeted her father, asking: 'Is this Mamata Banerjee's father's property?' The chief minister, however, did not identify the politician.
"I don't want to make such remarks but let me clarify. Yes, my father had property, though I have taken nothing from it," she said.
Dismissing allegations regarding restrictions on Hindu festivals, Banerjee countered, "Do not try to teach me about Hinduism. They claim Saraswati Puja was not allowed here. In reality, it was celebrated everywhere (in the state). Just because an issue arose in one place, they used it to defame Bengal and Hinduism!" Banerjee concluded by reaffirming her commitment to secularism, the development of all communities, and maintaining peace in the state.
"Religion is a personal matter. It is not a commodity to be traded. You sell religion, we do not," she said, taking another swipe at the BJP.
Regarding the BJP's claims that its members were being silenced in the assembly, Banerjee responded, "BJP MLAs are afraid to face me, which is why they boycott the House whenever I speak."