The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Monday hit back at the BJP after its leaders twisted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remark on religion during an event on the occasion of Eid in Kolkata.

Dismissing the BJP accusations against Banerjee of insulting the Hindu religion, Trinamool Congress state vice president Jaiprakash Majumdar said that the party supremo has never criticised the Hindu religion but has consistently opposed the BJP’s communal agenda.

“She has always spoken out against the BJP’s divisive politics, positioning itself as the self-appointed custodian of Hindu interests,” Majumdar said.

During an Eid celebration in Kolkata, CM Banerjee stated, “I adhere to the principles of Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa and Swami Vivekananda, and I do not subscribe to the ‘ganda dharam’ propagated by some factions, including the BJP, who themselves are misaligned with true Hindu values.”

Retorting sharply to Banerjee’s remarks about the BJP’s “divisive politics,” the saffron party accused her of undermining Hindu beliefs, labelling the BJP’s ideology as contrary to the core tenets of Hinduism.

Addressing the gathering at Red Road in Kolkata, Banerjee urged citizens to remain vigilant against provocations that could spark communal unrest, affirming the state’s commitment to maintaining peace and harmony.

In reply, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, challenged Banerjee’s comments, asking, “Which faith are you labelling as ‘ganda’ (dirty)? Is it the Sanatan Hindu Dharma? Why would you use such incendiary language at an Eid celebration? Was this a religious observance or a political statement? Your words are sowing discord and animosity between communities.”

Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress supremo, further said that no religion advocates hatred towards others, criticizing political leaders and parties that exploit communal sentiments for their own gain. She cautioned against attempts to instigate riots, urging the public to resist such provocations.

“Efforts are underway to incite riots, but I implore you not to get ensnared by these tactics. The West Bengal government is dedicated to protecting minority rights, and we will not allow tensions to arise in the state,” she asserted.

Challenging the BJP further, Banerjee asked, “If the BJP has grievances with minorities, do they intend to amend the Constitution of the country?”

Reiterating her commitment to interfaith respect, she condemned the BJP’s divisive strategy, which she termed “jumla politics.”

Additionally, she criticized the Left, stating, “The ideologies of the Left and the BJP have converged, but rest assured, I will not allow any harm to befall you.”

Meanwhile, adding to his party leader in attacking the chief minister, BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya remarked, “Is Mamata Banerjee suggesting that Sanatan Dharma is ‘Ganda Dharam’? Amidst numerous riots targeting Hindus during her tenure, she belittles their faith and offers a platform for further hostility against them, even at an Eid celebration. This is unacceptable.”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday firmly stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue to lead the nation in 2029, asserting that there is “no need to search” for a successor as Modi will retain his position, after Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut claimed Modi’s successor will likely be from Maharashtra.

This statement by Fadnavis came in response to claims by Raut, who suggested that Modi had visited the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur on Sunday to inform RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat of his impending retirement. Modi will turn 75 in September this year.

Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Fadnavis emphasized, “There is no need to look for his successor. He (Modi) is our leader and will continue to lead.” He also rejected speculations that Modi’s successor might come from Maharashtra, saying, “In our culture, it is not right to talk about succession while the father is still present. That is the way of the Mughals. The time to discuss this has not yet arrived.”

Raut had earlier claimed that the RSS is seeking a change in political leadership. “He (Modi) probably went to the RSS headquarters to submit his retirement application in September,” Raut said. He added, “PM Modi visited the RSS office to announce his retirement. As far as I know, he has not visited the RSS headquarters in the last 10-11 years. The RSS wants new leadership, and now PM Modi is stepping down.”

However, Modi’s visit to the RSS headquarters marked his first since becoming Prime Minister. During the visit, he also laid the foundation stone for the Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre, a new extension of the Madhav Netralaya Eye Institute & Research Centre, named after the late RSS chief Madhavrao Golwalkar.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi praised the selfless work of RSS volunteers across various fields and regions of India. “The RSS is like a banyan tree of India’s eternal culture and progress, with ideals and principles aimed at safeguarding national awareness,” he said. “This great tree is not ordinary.”

Modi also highlighted the RSS’s dedication and organization over the past century, noting that their efforts are bearing fruit as India moves toward its goal of becoming a developed nation, ‘Viksit Bharat,’ by 2047. “The period from 2025 to 2047 is crucial because we have big goals ahead. We must lay the foundation for the next 1,000 years of a strong and advanced India,” he added.

The statements from both leaders have sparked a political debate, with Fadnavis staunchly supporting Modi’s continued leadership, while Raut’s claims suggest a potential shift in the political landscape.

Sanoj Mishra, a filmmaker known for offering a role to viral sensation Monalisa during the Kumbh Mela, was arrested by the Delhi Police on Monday for allegedly raping an aspiring female actor for over four years on the pretext of marrying her.

The 45-year-old director, who lives with his family in Mumbai, was apprehended in Ghaziabad following extensive intelligence work and technical surveillance.

The arrest came after the Delhi High Court rejected Mishra’s bail application, paving the way for his custody by the Nabi Karim Police Station. The case revolves around allegations made by a 28-year-old woman from a small town, who accused Mishra of repeatedly raping her over four years under the false promise of marriage.

According to the complainant, she had been in a live-in relationship with Mishra in Mumbai while pursuing her dream of becoming a film actor. She further alleged that Mishra coerced her into undergoing abortions on three separate occasions. In her complaint, lodged on March 6, 2024, she also claimed that Mishra betrayed her trust by refusing to fulfill his marriage commitment.

The Delhi Police confirmed that an FIR was registered against Mishra under multiple sections, including rape, assault, causing miscarriage without consent, and criminal intimidation. The woman’s allegations were substantiated during her statement recorded under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). Authorities also collected medical evidence related to the alleged abortions from Muzaffarnagar, strengthening the case.

The incident that prompted the complaint occurred on February 18, 2025, when Mishra allegedly took the victim to Hotel Shiva in Nabi Karim. According to the police, he engaged in physical relations with her during this encounter before abandoning her, which led her to report the matter to the authorities.

Mishra’s arrest marks a significant development in the case, following the Delhi High Court’s decision to deny him bail after a detailed review of the evidence. The filmmaker, who gained attention for his work in the film industry, now faces serious legal consequences as the investigation continues.