Mamata Banerjee criticises Centre for divisive politics

The West Bengal CM also said that the Center has withheld funds for minority development by citing 'lame excuses'

Lashing out at the NDA-led Centre for pursuing "divisive politics", West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday urged the minority community not to fall into their trap.

India, she said, was like one big joint family where several religions have been living as brothers for decades.

"The BJP government is disturbing the communal harmony of the country through various means. Its only job is to divide people, conduct cow census and spread of fundamentalism in the country. It is not only about attack on Muslim community, but also on Christians and Dalits.

"They (BJP) are not interested in development of the communities but want to divide them," Banerjee said addressing a minority affairs program here.

Urging the Muslim community not to fall prey to BJP's communal and divisive politics, she said, "They (BJP) are using Facebook and Twitter to spread communal hatred. I request my brothers and sisters of the minority community not to fall into their trap.

"Please don't pay heed to whatever they say. They want you to fall into their trap. India is one big joint family where several religions have been living as brothers. If one of our brothers falls sick, other brothers can not stay well," Banerjee said.

The Chief Minister announced a slew of projects for the development of students of minority communities. A new girls hostel of Aliah University and a mobile app 'Haj Sathi' were inaugurated by her.

Banerjee said the Center has withheld funds for minority development by citing "lame excuses".

"Last week when I had gone to New Delhi, I inquired why the funds for the minority development have been withheld by citing lame excuses that the web portal they had developed for allocation of funds was not working. Why are there problems in the portal? There are no problems in the advertisements that you (the Center) give out in newspapers everyday propagating what you have done.

"I want to make it very clear either you fix such technical problems or do not stop funds citing such lame excuses," Banerjee added.