This isn't UP, here firing won't happen: Didi on 'shot like dogs' remark

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly hit back at BJP leader Dilip Ghosh’s remark of “having shot CAA protesters like dogs”, saying “This is not UP. Here firing won’t happen.”

Banerjee condemned the state BJP chief’s controversial remark, saying, “It’s shameful. How can you say this? It’s a shame to even take his name. You’re promoting firing. This isn’t UP. Here firing won’t happen.”

“Understand that if tomorrow something untoward happens, you’ll be equally responsible. You want to kill people for protesting?” she asked.

Ghosh had triggered a controversy with saying that those damaging public property during anti-citizenship law protests were “shot like dogs” in states ruled by the BJP.

“Is it the father’s property of those who are setting public property on fire? How can they destroy government property built on taxpayers’ money! The governments of Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka did the right thing by opening fire on these anti-national elements (during anti-CAA protests),” said Ghosh.

The BJP leader said those involved in arson and damaging public property will be shot “like the same way in Uttar Pradesh”. “They will come here, enjoy all the facilities and destroy country’s property. Is it their zamindari!” he asked. Ghosh also called for identifying those “sabotaging the interests” of Hindu Bengalis.

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The remark drew criticism from fellow party leader and Union minister Babul Supriyo, who tweeted, “Very irresponsible of Dilip da to have said what he said.” He also clarified that the BJP has nothing to do with Ghosh’s comments.

Mamata also claimed that her party TMC was the first to voice its protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill to the Parliamentary Standing Committee and none can question its opposition to the amended Citizenship Act.

She claimed that the Parliamentary Standing Committee record clearly states that TMC was the first to air its opposition to the CAB at the committee’s meeting and asked the opposition parties who were speaking against her to check it.