‘Will we have lollipop?’: Mamata Banerjee hits out at Bangladeshi politicians over ‘legitimate right’ on Indian territories remark | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday took a dig at Bangladeshi politicians, who recently made remarks claiming rights over Bengal, Bihar and Odisha, wondering whether the neighbouring country thinks Indians “would have lollipop” when external forces attempt to occupy Indian territories.
Addressing the state assembly, the West Bengal chief minster advised everyone to stay calm and not to get provoked by statements made in Bangladesh.
She responded to provocative remarks from certain Bangladeshi leaders with a simple message, “Stay calm and healthy and have peace of mind.”
A Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader recently said at a Dhaka gathering that Bangladesh holds legitimate claims over Bengal, Bihar and Odisha.
She highlighted that West Bengal’s imams have denounced the comments and attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, urging people to maintain composure despite provocative statements.
“In our state, even imams have condemned the comments and attacks on minorities in Bangladesh,” she said.
“The same blood flows in the veins of Hindus and Muslims and all other communities. We must all work together to ensure nothing is done to aggravate the situation in West Bengal,” she added.
“West Bengal is the first state in the country where people irrespective of caste, creed or community staged collective protest against the situation in Bangladesh,” the CM said.
She cautioned all parties, including political opponents and media organisations, to exercise responsibility when discussing developments in the neighbouring nation.
Comparing the situation with Uttar Pradesh, she said, “West Bengal is not Uttar Pradesh that we will ban your telecast. But act responsibly in the interest of West Bengal and its people. If trouble breaks out here, will it not affect you? Similarly, if the situation worsens in Bangladesh, it will affect our relatives and friends there. Hence please maintain restraint while commenting on the situation.”
She confirmed that the West Bengal government and her party would adhere to ministry of external affairs guidelines without making unauthorised statements.
Foreign secretary Vikram Misri conducted discussions with Bangladeshi counterpart Mohammad Jashim Uddin amidst strained relations following Sheikh Hasina’s removal in August. This marked the first high-level Indian delegation since the uprising that ended Hasina’s 15-year leadership.