CPI(M) accuses TMC and BJP of playing divisive politics in poll-bound West Bengal

Mohammed Salim alleged that instead of providing good governance to the people of the state, Mamata Banerjee was engaging in religious gimmicks.

Siliguri: Accusing the Trinamool Congress and the BJP of playing divisive politics in poll-bound West Bengal, CPI(M) state secretary Mohammed Salim on Saturday said that to love the country, one must shun politics based on religion, caste or creed and speak for all.

He claimed that just as the BJP fought elections promising to construct the Ram Temple at Ayodhya, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was also promising temples in different parts of the state.

"When the people of north Bengal were suffering from floods and landslides, Mamata Banerjee announced that she will construct a Mahakal temple in Siliguri," he said, addressing a public meeting in this north Bengal city.

He claimed that the chief minister had probably felt that the Jagannath Temple in Purba Medinipur's Digha might win hearts in the southern districts only.

The CPI(M) leader said that to win over people's minds in Kolkata and adjoining areas, she has promised a 'Durga Angan' in New Town.

"While the BJP has opened a mall in the name of religion, the TMC has opened small shops of religion," he said.

Salim said that former TMC MLA Humayun Kabir, who has formed a new political outfit, has now promised to construct a Babri Masjid-style mosque in Murshidabad district.

Salim, in January, held a meeting with Kabir at a hotel in New Town here, giving rise to speculation about talks between the two parties over the upcoming state assembly elections.

After meeting the MLA from Bharatpur in Murshidabad district, Salim said that he wanted to know from Kabir what he wants to do and what his objective is.

"There is no problem if one constructs a religious place, whether it is a mandir, or a masjid, a gurudwara or a church, we are against attempts to divide people in the name of religion," Salim said.

He alleged that instead of providing good governance to the people of the state, the chief minister was engaging in religious gimmicks.

"A government should not indulge in religious activity," he said.

The CPI(M) leader said that the Leftists want elections to be fought over issues of jobs and education, infrastructure development and law and order.

"Politics should not be based on religion, it should be for education, healthcare, energy, road infrastructure, public transport and environment, and ensuring proper prices for farmers' produce," Salim said.