Mamata Banerjee turning West Bengal into 'mini Pakistan', says Ajay Alok, leader in Nitish Kumar-led JDU

In a scathing attack on the West Bengal government, Janata Dal (United) (JDU) spokesperson Ajay Alok said that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was turning the state into a “mini Pakistan” and Rohingyas are driving out Biharis.

"What is happening in West Bengal is a matter of grave concern. I have been saying this for long. I do not understand why she has thanked and commended our chief minister. May be she is happy that the JD(U) is contesting elections in four states on its own, not as a part of the NDA," JD(U) spokesperson Ajay Alok said in Patna. "But this gesture does not absolve her of her mistakes. She must act to prevent her state from degenerating into a mini-Pakistan."

Only recently, Mamata Banerjee had thanked her Bihar counterpart Nitish Kumar on his decision on not to form an alliance with the NDA outside Bihar. Mamata was quoted by the media as having said, "I have come across a statement from Nitishji that he will not form alliance with the NDA outside Bihar. I would like to congratulate him. Thank you to him".

However, Alok said, "Her thanksgiving cannot make us forget that Biharis are being assaulted in West Bengal and forced to leave the state," he added.The JD(U) leader said, "Mamata didi should remember that Biharis are being driven out of her state under her watch. And the ones forcing our people to flee her state are not Bengalis. They are Rohingyas."

A few days ago, people travelling from Kolkata to Patna by a bus were allegedly beaten up by the owner and other staffers of a road-side hotel in Burdwan district. The incidents drew sharp reactions from Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, a senior BJP leader.

Sushil Modi had accused the Trinamool Congress of orchestrating attacks on Hindi speaking people in general and Biharis in particular. The JD(U) leader's comment drew sharp reaction from the Bihar's opposition RJD, which has been sympathetic to Banerjee.

(With PTI inputs)