• Source:JND
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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday took a stern dig at remarks of Bangladesh leaders who claimed that the country has legitimate claims over Bihar, Odisha and Bengal, wondering whether Indians would have lollipop when outside forces would try to occupy Indian lands. The TMC supremo further asserted that West Bengal stands with the stand of the central government as she asked the people of the state to remain calm and not get provoked by the remarks made by Bangladeshi politicians.

"Stay calm and healthy and have peace of mind," CM said while addressing the state assembly on Monday, news agency PTI reported.

A BNP leader recently said in a public meeting in Dhaka that the country has legitimate claims over Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. The speech led to an uproar in Indian social media.

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"In our state, even imams have condemned the comments and attacks on minorities in Bangladesh," Banerjee said while urging people to remain calm and not get carried away by provocative speeches coming from the other side of the border.

"The same blood flows in the veins of Hindus and Muslims and all other communities. We must all work together to ensure nothing is done to aggravate the situation in West Bengal," she said.

"West Bengal is the first state in the country where people irrespective of caste, creed or community staged collective protest against the situation in Bangladesh," the chief minister said.

She appealed to everyone, including her political opponents, to avoid actions that could escalate the situation. She called on media outlets to exercise caution and responsibility when reporting on developments in the neighbouring country.

"Bengal is not Uttar Pradesh, and we will not ban your telecast. But act responsibly in the interest of West Bengal and its people. If trouble breaks out here, will it not affect you? Similarly, if the situation worsens in Bangladesh, it will affect our relatives and friends there. Hence, please maintain restraint while commenting on the situation," she said.

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The West Bengal chief minister said her government and party, the Trinamool Congress, will follow the guidelines of the Ministry of External Affairs and will not speak out of turn.

"Our foreign secretary is in Bangladesh for talks. Let us not speak more than what is required. Let us wait for the outcome. We are responsible citizens. Our country is united," she said.

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