BJP Slams Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Over ‘Ganda Dharam’ Remark At Eid Event, TMC Hits Back

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to incite communal unrest in the state through divisive politics, asserting that the saffron party’s “ganda dharam” (distorted/bad religion) was against the true principles of Hinduism.

Addressing an Eid prayers gathering on Red Road in Kolkata, Banerjee said, “I follow the religion followed by Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa and Swami Vivekananda. I don’t follow the ‘ganda dharam’ created by them (BJP); they are even against Hindu dharma”, news agency PTI reported

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief urged people to resist provocations aimed at sparking riots. “Provocations are being made to fuel riots, but please don’t fall into these traps. The West Bengal government stands with minorities. No one can provoke tensions in the state,” she said.

CM Mamata also took aim at the BJP, questioning, “If they (BJP) have problems with the minorities, will they change the Constitution of the country?” She accused the saffron party of engaging in “jumla politics” (empty rhetoric) and asserted, “All Hindus are not against Muslims, but only certain political leaders engage in ‘saudagiri’ (business) under the guise of religion.”

Criticising the Left parties, she remarked, “Red and saffron have merged. But rest assured, I will not let any harm come to you.” She claimed that opposition parties in West Bengal—referring to both the BJP and the Left—were conspiring to incite riots. “It is their plan to incite riots, and my job is to stop riots. Stop riots. If you can stop riots, they will disappear on their own. Do not fall into their trap,” she added.

Emphasising unity and religious harmony, she said, “It is a matter of shame that the Red party, which talked of secularism, has joined hands with the saffron camp. Let them join hands. We will fight alone.”

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee also addressed the gathering, underscoring party unity in resisting the BJP during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. “In the last (2024) Lok Sabha polls, we together resisted the march of the BJP,” he said, as per PTI.

Calling for interfaith unity, he stated, “The moon has no religion,” and warned against divisive politics. “Hindustan is the same for Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and every single person,” he asserted.

Reaffirming his commitment to maintaining unity, he added, “We must maintain unity and live together. I will give my life but not deviate from my principles. Today, we take an oath to keep West Bengal’s unity intact till our last breath. Those who try to ignite this land will burn themselves, and those who try to break us will break themselves.”

BJP Criticism Of Mamata Banerjee’s ‘Ganda Dharam’ Remark Prompts TMC’s ‘Communal Politics’ Response

In response to Mamata Banerjee’s remarks, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly and senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari questioned, “Which religion are you calling ‘ganda’ (dirty)? Was it Sanatan Hindu Dharma? Why did you deliver such a provocative speech at an Eid celebration? Was it a religious event or a political one? You’re deliberately sowing hate and creating animosity between communities.”

“Hum ‘Ganda Dharm’ ko nahi manta hai”. – Mamata Banerjee

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… pic.twitter.com/JpLWYV5JYG

— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) March 31, 2025

BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya also criticised CM Mamata, stating, “Is Sanatan Dharma a ‘Ganda Dharam’ for Mamata Banerjee? Despite numerous anti-Hindu riots under her rule, she mocks Hindus and derides their faith. She has once again given Muslims a free pass to target Hindus—this time from a platform meant to celebrate Eid. Shame on her.”

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. Once again, she has given Muslims a carte blanche to target Hindus—this time from a… pic.twitter.com/sX6xu4zs1N

— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) March 31, 2025

Rejecting the BJP’s allegations, TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh asserted that the Chief Minister never spoke against Hinduism but criticised the BJP’s communal politics.

“She never said anything against the Hindu religion but was speaking against the communal politics of the BJP, which claims to be the self-proclaimed guardian of Hindus. By the term ‘Ganda Dharam’, she meant the distortions that the BJP has introduced to push its own political agenda through religion. We all know that the BJP has been trying to politicise Hinduism and fan communal politics,” he said, as quoted by PTI.