A fresh political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after an FIR was registered against former Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee over alleged remarks linked to Sanatan Dharma during an Eid gathering in Kolkata last year. The complaint alleges that Banerjee referred to Sanatan Dharma as “ganda dharma” or “dirty religion”, hurting religious sentiments and promoting communal disharmony.
Details of the FIR
The FIR, lodged at the Siliguri Cyber Police Station, invokes multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections related to criminal intimidation, intentional insult, and promoting enmity between religious groups. The complaint also refers to another alleged statement made during the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election campaign.
Political Reactions
The issue has triggered a sharp political confrontation between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the TMC. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari accused Mamata Banerjee of weaponising communal rhetoric for political gains. The TMC has not yet issued an official response to the FIR.
This development adds to the ongoing political tensions in the state, with both parties trading accusations ahead of the elections. The controversy has also drawn attention to the sensitive nature of religious remarks in public discourse.
