Poll position already? Mamata dares inside House, Suvendu from right outside

Just a day after hue and cry over the suspension of four BJP MLAs for unruly behaviour, a fierce showdown erupted in the West Bengal legislative assembly on February 18 as chief minister Mamata Banerjee vowed to resign immediately should the saffron camp prove allegations linking her to terrorists and the Muslim League. Listing her government’s religious initiatives, she added: “From the Tarapith Development Authority to the Kalighat Skywalk, our work speaks for itself.” Singling out leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, who was among the four BJP legislators suspended and was present in the legislative assembly complex on February 18, Mamata questioned his claim to represent Hindu interests. Adhikari described her comment as “shameful, condemnable and disrespectful”, stating: “She doesn’t understand the importance of Sanatani belief and faith, which has drawn millions to Prayagraj for a holy dip at the Sangam.” Mamata alleged poor arrangements and VIP culture at the Mahakumbh. Quoting the iconic Bengali saint Ramakrishna Paramhansa’s philosophy of Sarbo Dhormo Somonnoy, she said, “Unlike the BJP, which divides people in the name of faith, we respect all religions equally.” With the BJP intensifying its campaign against Mamata and branding her government as appeasing Muslims while being anti-Hindu, she issued a strong rebuttal.