India

Bengal CM refutes cancelling of Durga Puja claims, says ‘will do 100 sit-ups in front of people if proved guilty’

Srinagar: Refuting the claims of announcement on cancelling of Durga Puja this year in West Bengal, the state’s Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee has said that if anyone can prove the claims, she will do sit-ups in front of people 100 times.

Banerjee, who is also the chairperson of All India Trinamool Congress party, said that the fake news is being spread by political party through their “IT cells” to destroy communal peace. However, she did not mention the name of any political party allegedly responsible for this.

Banerjee said that so far there has been no meeting on Durga Puja and the state government is yet to take any decision on it.

“Since morning, I have been hearing rumours about Durga Puja not being allowed by the state government. Prove it! Or else hold your ear and do sit-ups. If you can prove your claims that the government has indeed taken such a step, I will hold my ears and do sit-ups 100 times before the public. I am accountable to the people,” Banerjee said while addressing a programme organised to commemorate ‘Police Day’ at the state’s secretariat.

In this regard, the CM has directed the state police to initiate stern action against those behind “such mischief”.

“Some fake IT pages are spreading misinformation on Durga Puja. I am asking the police to find these people who are purposely spread fake news and make them hold their ears and do sit-ups. Only fake news is being spread to destroy communal harmony. Those who have never worshipped Kali and Durga or Hanuman are talking about puja,” she added.

Without taking the name of any party or person, she said: “everyone knows who has done this, I won’t take any name”.

“A rumour regarding Durga Puja is being spread through WhatsApp. No such decision has been taken. Please do not forward this message. It’s fake. Action is being taken. Fake News Alert,” the West Bengal police shared on its official Twitter handle.

Meanwhile, the existing COVID lockdown in the state has been extended till September 20.

 

Free Press Kashmir is now on Telegram. Click here to Join.

Click to comment
To Top