Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi lashed out at his Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee for her remark that states, including Odisha, will face the heat if the BJP tries to unleash violence in her state.

Majhi, who has been accused of campaigning for the release of Dara Singh, the Bajrang Dal activist serving a life term in the Australian missionary Graham Staines murder case, cautioned Mamata not to spread hatred and refrain from making negative remarks.

Congress leader Amiya Pandav said: “If someone reads the statement of Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, one will realise it’s a general statement. Chief minister Majhi has failed to understand the political connotation behind the remark. No comments have been made against Odisha. Perhaps Majhi has criticised Mamata only to appease Modi and save his chair. His statement on Mamata will worsen the relations between the two neighbouring states.”

Mamata accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of orchestrating violence in Bengal through BJP leaders, saying: “Remember, if you set Bengal on fire, it will spread to Assam, Northeast, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and it will reach Delhi. I will ensure your (PM’s) chair will be shaken.”