Nitish supports Mamata, describes her protagonist of harmony

Patna, Jan 12: With the BJP attacking West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over Malda violence accusing her of playing communal politics, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today came in support of Trinamool Congress chief.

"Mamata Banerjee has been a great 'Himayati'(protagonist) of communal harmony," Kumar said after coming out of a state Cabinet meeting. Kumar said he did not have details of the Malda violence as he was busy with his work in Bihar.

But all efforts should be made to maintain social and communal amity in the country, he added. The Bihar CM's support to his West Bengal counterpart came at a time when she is battling BJP's blistering attack over Malda violence.

Kumar has been enjoying a close relationship with Mamata Banerjee who had attended his swearing-in ceremony in November end last year in Patna.

Violence had broken out at Kaliachak in Malda district on December 3 over an alleged remark of a BJP leader. Protesters had set fire to a police station and damaged vehicles. The West Bengal CM had said there was no communal tension in the area and described the incident as a fallout of an issue between BSF and the local people.

PTI