'Because of jealousy': JP Nadda slams Mamata Banerjee for skipping Visva Bharati ceremony

Hitting out at West Bengal Chief Minister for skipping centenary celebrations of Visva Bharati University, BJP national president JP Nadda reasoned that Mamata Banerjee had 'boycotted' ceremony because of 'jealousy, political hatred and rivalry'. In a series of tweets, BJP chief criticised TMC supremo of 'embarrassing' culture of Bengal. However, Mamata Banerjee and TMC have maintained that Chief Minister did t receive any invite for convocation ceremony. 

"Because of jealousy, political hatred and rivalry, Mamata Banerjee boycotted centenary celebrations of Visva-Bharati, tarnishing culture of West Bengal and pride of Gurudev Tagore. She repeatedly calls for federal structure, but at every opportunity, taunts constitutional values," Nadda tweeted on Thursday evening. 

'Bengal will give BJP a chance'

BJP chief also asserted that PM Narendra Modi has always considered Bengal to be exemplary and a leader of country, adding that state will w provide saffron party with an opportunity to turn in into 'Sonar Bangla'. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji has a strong faith in Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and culture, literature and philosophy of West Bengal. He has always considered Bengal to be exemplary and giving direction to country. w Bengal will wring Mamata's arrogance and will give BJP a chance to make it Sonar Bangla," he said. 

READ | 'y Did t Invite Me To Visva Bharati,' Claims Mamata Banerjee, Hits Out At BJP

On or hand, addressing a press conference on Thursday, CM Mamata Banerjee claimed that she was t invited for convocation on Thursday. In an apparent reference to BJP, TMC chief remarked that those present at Visva Bharati celebrations are just 'temporary' and that ir days are 'numbered'. 

"y did t invite me for convocation at Visva Bharati today. Some people have come re, but y cant destroy Vishva Bharati. Those who are re today are just temporary, ir days are numbered," Banerjee said on Thursday. 

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Earlier in day, BJP's Amit Malviya said that West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has insulted Rabindranath Tagore by t attending event. Sharing letter that was sent by University to Bengal CM inviting her for event, Malviya claimed that for Mamata Banerjee, politics is more important than legacy of Gurudev. He claimed that CM Mamata's "narrow-mindedness" is pushing Bengal towards darkness.

READ | WB CM Mamata Banerjee Skipped Visva-Bharati Centenary: BJP Lashes Out With Letter Invite

PM addresses Visva-Bharati University's centenary celebrations 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed centenary celebrations of Visva-Bharati University at Shantiniketan through video conferencing and also shared a lesser-kwn fact. - Rabindranath Tagore's connection with Gujarat. West Bengal Goverr and Union Education Minister were also present during ceremony. Prime Minister said that Rabindranath Tagore's connection to his home state assumes significance as it teaches importance of One India and shows spirit of Unity in Diversity in country.