A lawyer based in Siliguri, West Bengal, has lodged a police complaint against Mamata Banerjee, the leader of the Trinamool Congress and former chief minister. The complaint alleges that Banerjee made derogatory remarks about Hinduism, thus offending the sentiments of the Hindu community. This incident reportedly occurred during an Eid celebration held in Kolkata last year.

The complainant, Rinki Chatterjee, cites Banerjee’s speech from a stage during an event on Kolkata’s Red Road in 2025. In her address, Banerjee allegedly referred to Hinduism as a “filthy religion” and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of fabricating a version of Hinduism. Chatterjee contends that such remarks are highly offensive to Hindus not only in India but globally.

The police have yet to determine if a First Information Report (FIR) will be filed based on this complaint. Chatterjee expressed her expectation that appropriate legal measures would be taken in due course.

Context of the Allegations

Chatterjee’s complaint marks the first significant legal action surrounding this issue, which garnered considerable attention following Banerjee’s comments last year. Reports indicate that her statement led to widespread criticism from various sectors, including prominent leaders of the BJP, such as the current Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

In her complaint, Chatterjee has highlighted that various senior leaders of the Trinamool Congress have previously made remarks challenging Hinduism. She has identified the “Ganda Dharm” comment attributed to Banerjee as one of the most serious offences in this context.

Banerjee’s comments were made during a Muslim religious congregation, which Chatterjee described as inappropriate in its setting. She has articulated that these remarks not only impact religious sentiments but also contribute to a divisive atmosphere within the state.

Response from Trinamool Congress Leaders

Atri Sharma, a lawyer and general secretary of the TMC’s Darjeeling unit, declined to comment specifically on the police complaint. However, he indicated that several members within the TMC did not support Banerjee’s remarks, even while the party was in power. Sharma stressed that it is within the rights of individuals to file complaints regarding any comments they find objectionable.

Sharma mentioned that many within the party viewed Banerjee’s choice of words as inappropriate and contrary to the party’s principles. He reiterated the moral obligation for anyone offended to seek redress through legal mechanisms.

While the TMC seeks to distance itself from Banerjee’s comments, the broader implications of the incident suggest ongoing tensions regarding inter-religious dialogue in West Bengal. The party’s leadership might face pressure to address the growing concerns among various communities in the state as news of this complaint continues to circulate.

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