Those trying to stop 'rath yatra' will get crushed: West Bengal BJP leader Locket Chatterjee

Locket Chatterjee, BJP’s West Bengal Mahila Morcha president, has triggered a controversy after she warned that those trying to stop the saffron party's scheduled 'rath yatra' in the state "will get crushed under the wheels of the chariot".

Chatterjee said the 'yatra' is being organised to restore democracy in the state.

"The main purpose of the rath yatra is to restore democracy in West Bengal. We have said this earlier too that the heads of those who try to stop the 'rath yatra' will get crushed under the wheels of the chariot," Chatterjee told reporters after attending a party meeting at Malda district on Saturday.

BJP president Amit Shah will launch three 'rath yatras', which will cover all 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in Bengal, on December 5, 7 and 9.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to address a massive rally in Kolkata at the conclusion of the 'yatra'.

Condemning the actress-turned-politician’s comment, TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee said BJP leaders are making provocative statements to disturb peace and stability of the state.

"The BJP's main aim is to push its communal agenda in Bengal. That is why they are making these provocative comments. But the people of Bengal will defeat the divisive politics of the BJP," Partha Chatterjee said.

While Amit Shah will begin his journey from Shaktipeeth Tarapith covering entire western parts of West Bengal from December 5, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will embark on a yatra from Cooch-Behar’s Madan Mohan temple on December 7 to cover entire north and central Bengal. Similarly, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will start his campaign from Ganga Sagar covering southern parts from December 9, according to reports.

(With PTI inputs)