Complaint Filed Against Bengal CM Mamata's ‘If you Burn’ Warning to PM Modi

New Delhi: A complaint has been filed with the Delhi Police against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by Vineet Jindal, a Supreme Court lawyer, following her remarks at a Trinamool Chhatra Parishad event. Jindal's complaint alleges that Banerjee's remarks were provocative and potentially incite unrest.

In his complaint, Jindal cited a statement made by Banerjee during the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad foundation day event on Wednesday. Banerjee said, "Remember, if Bengal burns, then Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Delhi will also burn." Jindal argues that this statement is instigating, provocative, and anti-national, intended to incite regional hatred and enmity, which could undermine national harmony and public order.

Jindal emphasised that Banerjee’s position as Chief Minister amplifies the gravity of her statement. He asserts that her remarks could incite unrest and pose a threat to national integrity and sovereignty, suggesting a misuse of her position to incite violence and hatred. Jindal has requested that an FIR be lodged under Sections 152, 192, 196, and 353 of the BNS, describing these offenses as cognizable and serious in nature.

Mamata Banerjee’s Statement

On Wednesday, CM Banerjee condemned the BJP's 12-hour 'Bengal Bandh' and accused the party of attempting to "defame" Bengal. Addressing the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad, she said, “Some people think this (agitation) is similar to the protests in Bangladesh. I love Bangladesh; they speak like us and share our culture. But remember, Bangladesh is a different country.” She further alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was using his party to create unrest in Bengal over a recent incident involving a Kolkata woman doctor.

Banerjee added, “Modi babu, you are trying to create unrest in Bengal through your people. But remember, if you burn Bengal, Assam, the North-East, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Delhi will also burn.”

Banerjee's statement created a political uproar

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticised Banerjee’s remarks, accusing her of spreading unrest and divisive politics. Sarma posted on X, “Didi, how dare you threaten Assam? Don’t show us red eyes. Don’t try to set India on fire with your politics of failure. It does not suit you to speak divisive language.”

BJP state president and Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar also condemned Banerjee’s comments, calling them a “blatant endorsement of revenge politics from the highest office in the state.” Majumdar accused Banerjee of making anti-national remarks and described the comments as an unprecedented threat to democracy.

The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between the West Bengal government and the BJP, with allegations of inflammatory rhetoric and political maneuvering in an election year.