Mamata Banerjee Blames BJP for Cuttack Clash; Odisha Law Minister Responds
In a sharp escalation of political tensions, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Bajrang Dal of instigating communal violence during Durga idol immersion festivities in Cuttack, Odisha.
Her remarks, delivered with pointed criticism, described the BJP-led government as “arrogant” and warned that such actions could “destroy the country.”
Banerjee’s statement—“Cuttack is burning today”—sparked immediate backlash from Odisha’s Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, who dismissed the incident as an “unfortunate accident” and asserted that law and order had been swiftly restored.
He condemned Banerjee’s comments as an attempt to defame Odisha’s culture and people, urging her to first address the deteriorating law and order situation in West Bengal.
Harichandan further accused Banerjee of political opportunism, stating, “She never misses an opportunity to tarnish Odisha’s image.
We expect no such remarks from West Bengal.” The exchange underscores growing friction between the two states, with Banerjee’s comments arriving during a sensitive festive period and Harichandan defending Odisha’s governance under BJP rule.
As both leaders trade barbs, the incident has become a flashpoint in regional politics, raising questions about communal harmony, inter-state relations, and the politicisation of public festivals.
