Coochbehar, November 19: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday accused All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi of playing divisive politics. In an apparant reference to Owaisi, Banerjee said, “I am watching that there are some extremists among minorities. They have their base in Hyderabad.” She further asked people of her state not to trust these people. She made the remark at a rally in Cooch Behar. RSS Worker Murder Case: Asaduddin Owaisi Seeks Justice For Victims, Says 'I Oppose RSS Ideology, But it Can Never be Ground For Barbaric Violence'.

During the rally she stated, “Extremism is coming out among the minorities, just as there are extremists among the Hindus. There is a political party and they are taking money from the BJP, they are from Hyderabad, not from West Bengal.”

Mamata Banerjee's Statement:

Hitting out at Banerjee over her “minority extremism” remark, Owaisi gave reference of Bharatiya Janata party’s (BJP’s) success in winning 18 seats in the Lok Sabha elections in the state. Owaisi also stated that Banerjee was frustrated and had a fear of losing her state. Owaisi also questioned the West Bengal over the low human development of Muslims in Bengal. Asaduddin Owaisi Hits Out at EC Order on West Bengal Campaign Curtail for Phase 7 Lok Sabha Elections 2019, Asks 'Why Not for Eastern UP?'

The AIMIM chief said, “By making allegations against me you are giving the message to Muslims of Bengal that Owaisi's party has become a formidable force in the state. Mamata Banerjee is showcasing her fear and frustration by making such comments.”

ANI's Tweet:

Owaisi also tweeted to slam Banerjee. In a tweet, he said, “It’s not religious extremism to say that Bengal’s Muslims have one of the worst human development indicators of any minority If Didi is worried about a bunch of us “from Hyderabad” then she should tell us how BJP won 18/42 LS seats from Bengal.”

Asaduddin Owaisi's Tweet:

Assembly elections in West Bengal will take place in 2021, but the political atmosphere has started to heat up from now only. The TMC will have to prepare for three-front battle in West Bengal for the assembly elections - traditional rivals Congress and CPI(M), rising BJP in the state and the AIMIM who is trying to attract Muslim voters.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 19, 2019 02:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).