Mamata rakes up 2019 bust desecration to attack 'outsiders' on Vidyasagar's 200th birth anniversary

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday paid tribute to Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar on his bicentenary birth anniversary, and seized occasion to hit out at "certain outsiders", who, according to her, had desecrated a bust of polymath last year.

She also said that social reformer will be remembered for his crusade against child marri and polygamy, and his teachings will continue to inspire all.

"Remembering great social reformer & educationist Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar on his 200th birth anniversary. He was a pioneer for Bangla langu & drafted primer Barnaparichay. Also kwn as 'Dayar Sagar', he fought for widow remarri, banning child marri & polygamy," Banerjee tweeted.

A bust of Vidyasagar was vandalised at a college here in May 2019, when clashes broke out during a road show led by n BJP president Amit Shah, ahead of last phase of Lok Sabha elections.

Both TMC and saffron party had blamed each or for incident.

"Vidyasagar truly represents pride of Bengal & serves as an inspiration to us till date. His bust was unfortunately desecrated in 2019 by certain outsiders, which only shows ir disregard for Bengal's legacy. However, his teachings are deeply inculcated in our values," CM wrote on Twitter Banerjee had, on several occasions, referred to BJP as a "party of outsiders".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following desecration of bust in May 2019 and ensuing protests, had promised to install a grand statue of Vidyasagar at same spot in college.

chief minister, however, went ahead and unveiled a new bust of ted reformer within a month of incident.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Goverr Jagdeep Dhankhar also remembered 19th century polymath on Saturday, describing him as "one of greatest reformers of all times".

"Today marks 200th birth anniversary of late Sanskrit scholar, writer, educationist, social reformer and philanthropist Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.He was one of greatest reformers of all times. His contributions to upliftment & betterment of society is immense," he added.

Born on this day in 1820 at Birsingha vill in Medinipur, Vidyasagar is widely kwn for his social reform movements during mid-19th century. He had also worked for emancipation of women, and made significant contributions to simplify and modernise Bengali langu.