Mamata tells party men to counter 'communal' BJP

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today gave directions to her party leaders on countering the "communal" BJP and asked them to be wary of elements trying to fan divisive passions.
Banerjee, who is also the president of Trinamool Congress, held an extended core committee meeting of the party where she also told the leaders to be careful about the activities of BJP and their associates in state.
"She gave a very passionate speech on secularism and threats of communalism. She had asked us to be aware of various incidents that BJP is trying to use to flare up communal passion in the state," a senior TMC leader said on condition of anonymity.

"She said communal harmony needs to be protected at any cost. In Bengal various communities have been living peacefully for ages and no one would be allowed to destroy the commuanl harmony to reap political benefits," the leader said.
Asking TMC leaders to remain vigilant about various kind of propaganda and activities that BJP is allegedly using to flare up communal passions, Banerjee called for holding small street corners meetings and rallies to thwart saffron propaganda, the leader said.
The directive of TMC leadership comes in the backdrop of recent reports of clashes between groups in Dhulagarh area of Howrah district.

This was preceded by series of clashes in various parts of Bengal after Durga Puja during October.
The state government had denied reports of any communal clashes and termed these as due to "personal enimity".