Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on April 18 hit back strongly at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her “outsider” remark, calling it hypocritical and asserting that political leaders routinely campaign in states other than their own.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an election rally, Sarma questioned the basis of the comment, noting that Banerjee herself travels to Assam and that the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) contests elections there.
“How are we outsiders? Even she visits Assam and TMC is contesting elections there. This hypocrisy would not work,” Sarma said.
He also took aim at Banerjee, alleging that she frequently refers to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in her speeches. “Mamata Banerjee chants the names of PM Modi and Amit Shah more than God,” he said.
The remarks come amid intensified political exchanges ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, with campaigning picking up pace across districts, including Cooch Behar.
West Bengal is set to vote in two phases on April 21 and April 29, with the results scheduled to be announced on May 4.
