TMC distorted comments to portray my stand on illegal infiltration as ‘anti-Bengali’: Assam CM

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Kolkata, July 15 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Tuesday, accused Trinamool Congress of deliberately distorting his recent comments on the stand of the Assam government on illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators, projecting him as taking an “anti-Bengali” stand.

In a statement issued by him on Tuesday, which he posted on the wall of the official X handle, Sarma also alleged that the ruling dispensation in West Bengal had deliberately resorted to such distortion to shield Muslim infiltrators from Bangladesh.

“Assam has been waging a relentless war against illegal infiltration of Bangladeshi Muslims for several decades. The recent attempt by the @AITCofficial to distort my media remarks and portray our stand as anti-Bengali is nothing but a desperate ploy to shield Muslim infiltrators from Bangladesh, whose very presence threatens to alter the demographic fabric of our nation,” read the statement from the Assam Chief Minister.

He also clarified that all Indian citizens residing in Assam, including the Bengali-speaking ones, have a clear idea of the Assam government’s stand on illegal infiltration. “Let it be made absolutely clear: in Assam, every Indian citizen—including Bengali-speaking people—fully understands our position and supports our uncompromising stand against illegal Muslim immigration from Bangladesh,” Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma added.

The Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari shared the statement by Biswa Sarma, on the wall of his own X handle and said that at a time when the Assam Chief Minister was leading a fearless and timely fight against illegal infiltration of Bangladeshi Muslims, the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was shamelessly banking on these illegal infiltrators and helping them to get enrolled in the voter’s list in West Bengal.

Adhikari also said that Trinamool Congress was deliberately encouraging this since its political survival heavily depended on these illegal infiltrators.

He also said that every Indian-Bengali stood by the efforts of the Assam Chief Minister to check illegal infiltration from Bangladesh.

–IANS

src/uk

Related Posts

Sam Pitroda’s statement on China an insult to Galwan martyrs: Sudhanshu Trivedi

New Delhi, Feb 17 (IANS) Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi on Monday termed the statement of the Indian Overseas Congress Chief, Sam Pitroda on China as an insult to the martyrs of Galwan.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, Pitroda said India needs to change its mindset and give up the notion that China is an enemy country.

Trivedi said that India is continuously progressing under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and added: “But, some forces are trying to influence it. The kind of statement that Indian Overseas Congress President Sam Pitroda has given regarding China today has made it clear that the Congress party’s agreement with China has been expressed in broad daylight.”

The senior BJP leader said, “It is a matter of concern that the kind of statement that Sam Pitroda has made is a very deep attack on India’s identity, diplomacy and sovereignty of India. He (Pitroda) has said that there is no dispute of any kind with China, that is, India itself is taking an aggressive posture. The Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wants good and cordial relations with every country of the world. But, national self-respect, security, and strength are paramount for us.”

Trivedi added: “Before Pitroda’s comments today, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had also given such statements many times. Rahul Gandhi had said during a foreign tour that China has done a good job in reducing unemployment.”

He called Pitroda’s statement an insult to the martyrs of Galwan. “Is this not an insult to the martyrs of Galwan? Our soldiers were martyred in Galwan. But, despite this, if the Congress Overseas Chief speaks such language, then it is condemnable. This is a grave insult to the sacrifice of the Indian Army,” the Rajya Sabha MP asked.

Speaking to IANS, Pitroda said that India’s approach has been confrontational from the beginning. “Our attitude is that of confrontation from day one, and that attitude creates enemies, and that creates certain support in the country. I think we need to change that pattern to assume that China is the enemy from day one. It is not just to China, but to everyone…”

“I don’t know what is the threat from China. I think this issue is often blown out of proportion because the US has the habit of defining an enemy,” he said.

The Congress leader said, “I think the time has come for all of us to learn, increase communication, collaborate, operate and co-create and not have this command and control mindset. China is around… China is growing .. you know you got to recognise that and respect that …”

–IANS

khz/dpb

Bike rally flagged off to promote cultural heritage of Sikkim’s Maghey Mela

Gangtok, Jan 3 (IANS) To promote the cultural heritage of Sikkim’s Makar Sankranti or Maghey Mela, Zoom-Salghari Assembly constituency MLA Madan Cintury flagged off a bike rally at the Jorethang Football Stadium on Friday.

The officials said the bike rally, an initiative by the Makar Sankranti or Maghe Sankranti Mela Committee, aims to elevate the fair into a major cultural event.

The rally drew participation from approximately 65 bikers hailing from Sikkim and neighbouring states, reflecting the regional enthusiasm for the event.

The bikers embarked on a journey from Jorethang, passing through culturally significant areas such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Melli which will conclude at the starting point.

Historically, Maghey Sankranti Mela was associated with fairs, communal harmony, and religious observances, but now the festival has evolved into a grand occasion, blending spirituality with cultural festivities.

“This initiative, spearheaded by the Mela Committee, underscores the commitment to preserve and promote Sikkim’s cultural heritage while fostering tourism and regional unity. The bike rally is expected to generate excitement and anticipation for the upcoming Maghey Sankranti Mela 2025, ensuring its enduring legacy for future generations,” the official added.

Earlier, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang emphasised the need to elevate the Makar Sankranti Maghey Mela to a new level, aiming to enhance both the state’s profile and the town of Jorethang.

He encouraged people to celebrate the event traditionally while incorporating elements of contemporary entertainment to attract a larger audience.

One of the key proposals was to organise a full day of rural sports and festivities between the opening and closing days of the Mela. These events are expected to include traditional activities such as high jumping, cycling, pillow fighting, and tug-of-war, alongside various other attractions designed to engage both locals and visitors.

He also stressed the importance of cultural activities, which will be held throughout the day to honour the state’s rich traditions and heritage.

The Maghey Sankranti falls on January 14.

–IANS

tdr/svn

Over 5 lakh expected to attend PM Modi’s rally in Bhagalpur: BJP leader

Patna, Feb 15 (IANS) Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhagalpur, Bihar unit BJP president Dilip Jaiswal chaired a crucial meeting of party officials at the Bhagalpur Town Hall on Friday.

After the meeting, Jaiswal confirmed that PM Modi will address a massive public gathering at Airport Ground in Bhagalpur. Over five lakh people, including farmers from Bhagalpur and 13 surrounding districts, are expected to participate.

The Prime Minister is expected to visit Bhagalpur on February 24.

Jaiswal emphasised that farmers’ welfare remains a top priority for the NDA government.

“The Prime Minister always cares about farmers, and during his visit to Bhagalpur, he will also discuss their interests,” Jaiswal said.

With Bihar Assembly elections approaching, PM Modi’s visit is seen as a major political event, likely aimed at strengthening the BJP’s presence in the state.

Jaiswal said that PM Modi will release the 19th installment of Kisan Samman Nidhi for farmers across the country.

He will discuss farmers’ prosperity and income growth. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will also be present at the event.

Apart from Jaiswal, prominent attendees in the meeting included organisation general secretary Bhikhu Bhai Dalsania, Former Deputy CM Tarkishore Prasad, Bihar ministers Santosh Singh, Janak Ram, and Surendra Mehta, state general secretaries Mithilesh Tiwari and Lalan Mandal, district presidents, general secretaries, and core committee members from 13 districts.

Responding to Lalu Prasad’s claims, Jaiswal took a sarcastic dig, stating: “The way he is making claims, one wonders if he is losing his political grip in Bihar. The guarantees of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is resonating across the country, and in Bihar too, people are standing firmly with the BJP.”

Lalu Prasad Yadav on Thursday said that as long as he is politically active in Bihar, the BJP would not come to power in Bihar.

Jaiswal’s remarks indicate that the BJP is focused on strengthening its base in Bihar, particularly among farmers, ahead of the 2025 Assembly Elections.

PM Modi’s visit is expected to energise the party’s campaign and outreach in the state.

–IANS

ajk/pgh