Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders launched a sharp counterattack on Sunday after Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee likened the saffron party to a "snake." The BJP leaders, including Union Minister Giriraj Singh and the party's Bihar chief Sanjay Saraogi, accused Banerjee of displaying a profound ignorance of Sanatan Dharma and Hindu traditions.
BJP Invokes Mythology to Counter Allegation
Union Minister Giriraj Singh led the charge, asserting that the snake holds a position of deep reverence in Hindu culture. He stated that Banerjee's remark exposed a "lack of understanding of Sanatan Dharma." Singh elaborated by referencing Hindu mythology, noting that Lord Vishnu rests on Sheshnag and that Lord Lakshman is considered an incarnation of the divine serpent.
"Banerjee lacks knowledge. In India's Sanatan Dharma, Lord Vishnu sits on Sheshnag. Lakshman was an incarnation of Sheshnag, and he destroyed demons," Singh said. He connected this symbolism to the BJP's identity, adding, "Therefore, Abhishek Banerjee should not forget that we are descendants of Lakshman and Ram, and we will destroy the demons." Singh emphasized that BJP workers align themselves with the ideals of Lord Ram and Lakshman, whom he described as symbols of the fight against evil.
Snake Charmer Retort and Poll Predictions
BJP's Bihar unit president, Sanjay Saraogi, offered a metaphorical rebuttal to Banerjee's comparison. He rejected the label and turned it back on the TMC leader. "The BJP is not a snake, but a snake charmer. The BJP, acting like a snake charmer, will eliminate those who play the role of snakes, such as Abhishek Banerjee," Saraogi declared.
Both leaders made strong electoral predictions focused on West Bengal. Singh claimed that "the Hindus of Bengal will chase away Abhishek Banerjee and Mamata Banerjee." Saraogi went a step further, forecasting that the TMC would be "wiped out" from the state and that the BJP would form the next government with a "massive majority." They both underscored the democratic principle that political power ultimately rests with the people.
Origin of the Controversy at Alipurduar Rally
The political firestorm was ignited on Saturday during Abhishek Banerjee's rally in Alipurduar, West Bengal. The event was part of his month-long "Abar Jitbe Bangla" campaign, which he launched from South 24 Parganas on Friday, ahead of the crucial assembly elections.
Addressing the crowd, Banerjee urged voters to stand in queues and "teach the BJP a lesson" through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). He then made the contentious analogy: "BJP is like a snake. If you keep 1 or 18 in your backyard, eventually it will bite you." He called on people to ensure "no snake is there in Alipurduar." Banerjee also positioned himself as "10 times more stubborn than the BJP" and alleged that those seeking to change the Constitution would be removed from power.
The exchange marks a significant escalation in rhetoric between the two major parties battling for dominance in West Bengal, setting the stage for a fiercely contested election.
