Mamata backs ‘genuine voters’, rejects ‘divide and rule’ politics

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said she wished well for all 'genuine voters' in the country and reiterated that she did not believe in the politics of “divide and rule.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Speaking at the inauguration of the Jagaddhatri Puja at Posta Bazar in Kolkata, Banerjee stressed the need to safeguard democracy and protect citizens' rights. Her remarks came a day after the launch of the state's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls on Tuesday. Though she made no direct reference to the SIR, her comments on voters' rights were seen as significant.

"We celebrate all festivals. Religion belongs to individuals, but festivals belong to everyone. I want nothing else—let our country stay well, let Bengal stay well, let people stay well. I don’t want divide and rule,” Banerjee said from the dais.