Mamata takes potshots at BJP over Ram temple

Kolkata, March 19 (IANS) Taking a dig at the BJP-led central dispensation, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said while they could not even construct one Ram temple, her government has spruced up the pilgrimage spots as part of its development programmes.

"There are many beautiful temples in the country. You cannot see them? One Ram Mandir (temple) could not even be constructed. You cannot see how Dakhineswar, Tarapith , Tarakeswar temples were beautified? Skywalk at the Kalighat Temple is being constructed. You only utter lies" she said.

Amid controversy over BJP's demand before the Election Commission that West Bengal be declared "sensitive", the Trinamool Congress supremo said some people from outside the state were making baseless claims that there was no peace and religious ceremonies cannot be celebrated.

"There is peace in Bengal. Some time, some people claim that there is no peace here. Is it true? They often claim that there is no democracy, people cannot walk on streets or cannot do business. No one is allowed to worship god and goddess. What is this? Will they teach us religion?"

Banerjee said she follows the religion of humanity.

She had recently attacked the BJP for urging the Election Commission to declare Bengal as a super sensitive state in the 2019 elections and claimed that saffron party leaders are insulting the state as she and her party are fighting against the Modi-Shah duo.

Without taking anyone's name she said, "If one kills people, no one talks. If I do something, some people start criticising it. But you must continue your work and keep promises what you have made."