West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has targeted the Odisha government over a clash between two groups during the Durga idol immersion in Cuttack, levelling serious allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) incited communal violence in the city. In response, Odisha’s Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has strongly condemned Banerjee’s remarks, accusing her of attempting to defame Odisha while ignoring law and order issues in her own state.
Banerjee claimed that “Cuttack is burning today,” directly blaming the Bajrang Dal and BJP for the incident. She described the BJP government as “arrogant” and accused it of orchestrating communal violence in states under its rule. “I say this with sorrow—these people will destroy the country. I’ve seen many governments, but never one as arrogant as this. They should remember: they’re in power today, but not tomorrow,” she said.
Harichandan dismissed the clash as an “unfortunate accident” that the Odisha government handled effectively, noting that the situation in Cuttack is now peaceful. He urged Banerjee to focus on her own state’s deteriorating law and order. “Law and order in West Bengal is in disarray. Mamata should first understand her own situation,” he said. “If she wants to provoke a peaceful Cuttack, it’s extremely unfortunate and condemnable. Whenever violence has occurred in Odisha, the government has handled it properly.”
The minister further criticised Banerjee for daily incidents in West Bengal, suggesting she reflect on her “failures and incompetence.” He added that Odishans do not expect such comments from her and accused her of trying to defame Odisha’s language, culture, and people. “We have the trust of Odisha’s residents. She never misses an opportunity to tarnish Odisha’s image. We expect no such remarks from West Bengal,” Harichandan stated.
The exchange highlights escalating political tensions between the two states, with Banerjee’s comments coming amid ongoing festivities and Harichandan’s rebuttal emphasising Odisha’s stability under BJP rule.
