A true leader never divides people on the basis of caste or ethnicity

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday urged Bengali tourists stranded in Nepal amid the ongoing unrest to remain there for a few more days for their safety.

- MANAS R BANNERJEE Siliguri, 10 September

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday urged Bengali tourists stranded in Nepal amid the ongoing unrest to remain there for a few more days for their safety. Addressing a government programme in Jalpaiguri to distribute state-sponsored welfare schemes, Banerjee said the state government has taken steps to bring them back to Bengal once peace is restored in Nepal.

"Those currently in Nepal, please stay there a few more days. There is no need to rush back. The state government will bring you home after some days," she said, adding, "We want peace. Let peace return soon."

Miss Banerjee also mentioned that she was monitoring the situation from her office at Uttarkanya, spending sleepless nights.

The Government of India has also issued an advisory urging Indian citizens and tourists in Nepal to follow instructions from local authorities there.

Sharp Attack on the Centre Without naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Miss Banerjee lashed out at the Centre over various issues, alleging harassment of Bengali-speaking migrant workers branded as Bangladeshis. Referring to Mahatma Gandhi and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, she questioned the role of a "true leader of the country," saying, "A true leader never divides people on the basis of caste or ethnicity."

She added: "If you have to name an institution, it should be after a great personality. Who are you?"