BJP Tells Mamata to Focus on Bengal, Not Odisha Affairs

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday hit back at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for blaming the BJP and Bajrang Dal for last week’s violence in Cuttack, urging her to focus on issues in her own state instead of commenting on Odisha’s internal matters.

The response came a day after Banerjee alleged that the BJP and Bajrang Dal were responsible for the clashes that broke out in Cuttack during the Durga idol immersion procession.

“The Chief Minister of West Bengal should first address law and order problems in her own state before interfering in Odisha’s affairs,” said a BJP spokesperson, adding that Banerjee’s remarks were politically motivated and aimed at diverting attention from Bengal’s governance issues.

The violence in Cuttack on Saturday and Sunday left 31 people, including 10 police personnel, injured. Several shops were gutted or damaged in incidents of arson and stone-pelting. Authorities imposed prohibitory orders for 36 hours and suspended internet services for 48 hours in two phases to restore order.

Odisha Police have since intensified patrolling and deployed additional forces in sensitive areas to maintain peace and prevent further escalation.