‘Is Sanatan A Ganda Dharma?’: BJP Lambasts Mamata Banerjee Over ‘Provocative Speech’ On Eid

Last Updated:March 31, 2025, 16:13 IST

Mamata Banerjee, who recently made headlines for her visit to London, sparked controversy during an Eid prayer in Kolkata by saying that she “doesn’t follow Ganda Dharma.” 

The West Bengal BJP on Monday launched a blistering attack against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her “Ganda Dharma” remark, accusing her of making a “provocative speech” during an Eid-ul-Fitr event.

Mamata Banerjee, who recently made headlines for her visit to London, sparked controversy during an Eid prayer in Kolkata by saying that she “doesn’t follow Ganda Dharma.”

Taking to X, West Bengal leader of the opposition and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari questioned Banerjee’s remarks, accusing her of making provocating statements during a religious event held in Kolkata.

“Kaun sa Dharm ganda hai Ms Mamata Banerjee? Appeasing the Muslim Community at the Red Road with your almost incomprehensible gibberish Urdu dialect, you made a statement that you don’t follow the ‘Ganda Dharm’ or ‘Dirty Religion’. Which religion were you specifically referring to? Sanatan Hindu Dharma?” he wrote.

He further accused Banerjee of repeatedly using the word “Danga” (riot) and questioned whether the event was intended to be religious or political. He claimed she was trying to stir animosity between communities, warning that such tactics would ultimately backfire on her.

TMC Defends Mamata Banerjee

TMC leader Kunal Ghosh defended Banerjee’s statement, saying that whatever the Chief Minister said during the Eid event was “right.”

“Whatever Mamata Banerjee has said is right. The BJP uses Hindu dharma for vote marketing. We believe in Ramakrishna, Vivekananda, and true Hinduism, but the BJP is distorting it. They are trying to create a fake narrative,” the Ghosh remarked.

Banerjee on Monday also urged people not to fall for provocations that could fuel communal riots and stressed that her government would stand with the residents, ensuring that no one could stir up tensions in the state.

“Provocations are being made to fuel riots, but please don’t fall into these traps. The West Bengal government stands with the minorities. No one can provoke tensions in the state,” she said.

BJP Mounts Attack

Amit Malviya, head of the BJP’s IT cell, backed Adhikari in criticizing Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of mocking Hinduism and disrespecting the faith.

“Is Sanatan Dharma a ‘Ganda Dharm’ for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee? Despite numerous anti-Hindu riots under her watch, she has the audacity to mock Hindus and deride their faith,” he wrote in an X post.

“Once again, she has given Muslims a carte blanche to target Hindus—this time from a religious platform meant to celebrate Eid. Shame on her,” he added.

During her address, Banerjee particularly hit out at the BJP, asking, “If they (BJP) have problems with the minorities, will they change the Constitution of the country?”

She reaffirmed her belief in respecting all religions and reiterated her opposition to the BJP’s “divisive politics”, which she described as “jumla politics”.