Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stirred controversy with her remarks at Red Road in Kolkata (on Eid), saying, “Hum ‘Ganda Dharm’ ko nahi manta hai” (I do not follow this dirty religion).
In her address, Mamata criticized what she called the BJP’s “dirty religion,” asserting that she follows the teachings of Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda, but not the ideology promoted by the ruling party.
Is Sanatan Dharma a “Ganda Dharm” for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee? Despite numerous anti-Hindu riots under her watch, she has the audacity to mock Hindus and deride their faith. Once again, she has given Muslims a carte blanche to target Hindus—this time from a… pic.twitter.com/sX6xu4zs1N
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) March 31, 2025
Mamata further commented, “I dare them to change the Constitution to divide people. Hindus and Christians are not against Muslims; some political leaders make deals, and I will shut them down if you all unite.”
Her comments on the BJP’s religious ideology triggered a strong reaction from Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, who accused Mamata of indulging in appeasement politics. In a post on X, Adhikari questioned her remark, asking which religion she referred to as “ganda dharm” and accused her of deliberately sowing discord between communities. He also criticized her speech on Eid-ul-Fitr, suggesting it was more political than religious.
“Hum ‘Ganda Dharm’ ko nahi manta hai”. – Mamata Banerjee
Kaun sa Dharm ganda hai Ms. Mamata Banerjee?
Appeasing the Muslim Community at the Red Road with your almost incomprehensible gibberish Urdu dialect, you made a statement that you don’t follow the ‘Ganda Dharm’ or ‘Dirty… pic.twitter.com/JpLWYV5JYG
— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) March 31, 2025
Mamata, in her speech, urged people to stay united to counter the BJP’s attempts to consolidate Hindu votes ahead of the 2026 state elections.
She appealed to the public to prevent riots, stressing that the BJP’s strategy was to create communal tensions. “If there are no riots, they will automatically be defeated,” she said.
