'Yogi is the biggest Bhogi': Mamata Banerjee's sharp retort to UP CM over Waqf protests

The war of words between the chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal over the violent protests on the new Waqf Act escalated on Wednesday with Mamata Banerjee calling Yogi Adityanath "the biggest Bhogi".

 

Banerjee raked up the police encounters in Uttar Pradesh and also dared Adityanath to publish correct figures of deaths during the Mahakumbh.

 

"Yogi is saying big things. He is the biggest 'Bhogi'. How many people died in the Mahakumbh stampede? Did he publish the correct figures of how many people died? So many are killed in police encounters in Uttar Pradesh. He doesn't even allow peaceful rallies. In Bengal, people enjoy freedom," she said.

 

The West Bengal CM's retort came a day after Adityanath accused her of maintaining silence over the violent protests in Murshidabad district.

 

Adityanath said Banerjee sees the violent protesters as "messengers of peace" and said she has given them a complete free hand in the name of secularism.

 

At least three people were killed and hundreds were rendered homeless in communal violence in parts of Murshidabad district, mainly Suti, Samserganj, Dhulian and Jangipur, on April 11 and 12.

 

The violence has forced hundreds to flee to neighbouring Malda district. Over 200 people have reportedly been arrested so far.

India