“BJP responsible for lynching incidents,”  Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has held the ruling BJP responsible for increasing number of lynching incidents in India  and said that instead of merely condemning them, the saffron party should control its leaders.

“Union home minister Rajnath-ji condemned the incident in Parliament. But, why instead of condemning, they are not controlling their leaders from the upper to lower level. It is only because of their hate campaign that so many lives have been lost. Charity begins at home,” she told reporters at the state secretariat.

Mamata alleged that lynching incidents were the handiwork of some extremist religious groups. “We appeal to all the common citizens. It’s a serious phase we are going through. So many lives have been lost. This should be stopped immediately,” she said.

The chief minister said strict action would be taken against those found to be involved in such incidents anywhere in West Bengal.

“Law and order is a state subject. We do not discuss anything on cows. We treat cows as our mothers,” she said. She also blamed fake news and rumours spread through social media platforms for incidents of lynching.

Mamata had last week given a call to oust the BJP in the next Lok Sabha elections at a rally here, accusing the party of trying to create an atmosphere of “lynching, hatred and violence”.