Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday launched a blistering attack at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and accused it of carrying out “religious hatred politics” in the country. She questioned the Central government as to why Christman is not declared as a “national holiday”.
While speaking at a Christmas carnival at Allen Park in Park Street area in Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee said, “Last year and earlier also I said, Why Jesus Christ’s birthday will not be declared as a national holiday? You tell me it was there earlier. Why has the BJP government withdrawn that? Everybody has sentiments. What harm have Christians done? This festival is celebrated throughout the world.”
“This time yes there are some problems due to COVID-19 pandemic. We have to wear masks and maintain social distancing,” she added.
The West Bengal CM went on to question secularism in the country and accused the BJP-led Centre of pursuing “religious hatred” politics.
“Is there secularism in India? I am sorry to say, a typical religious hatred politics is going on. I want to condemn this today,” she said.
Christmas is a gazetted holiday, as per the National Portal of India.
Credit: TIMESNOWNEWS
