Former Lok Sabha speaker Somnath Chatterjee on Tuesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of promoting religious divide.
"Attempts are being made to create division among the people. And using that divide, an atmosphere of fear is being created. There is no doubt that those who are in power at the centre, if not directly, are indirectly assisting (this)," said Chatterjee.
He was speaking to the media after paying tributes to H.A. Halim, who served as the West Bengal assembly speaker for 29 years at a stretch - the longest stint by any presiding officer of a legislature in India.
The 80-year-old died at a nursing home here on Monday following cardiac arrest.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app