Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said every religion has separate sentiments and India is about unity in diversity, responding to a question on Monday about Udhayanidhi Stalin’s statement on Sanatana Dharma.

“I have high regards and respect for the people of Tamil Nadu and south India. But my humble request is respect all, as every religion has separate sentiments. India is a secular and democratic country. India is about unity in diversity,” she said.

About Udhayanidhi’s comment, Mamata said: “He is a junior and may not know about it.

“From my side, I am not clear about why and on which grounds he has made his comments. I feel that each and every religion should be equally respected.... I respect Sanatana Dharma and we derive our leanings from the Vedas,” she added.

Mamata said the Bengal government gives pension to Hindu priests. “We have so many temples across the country. We visit temples, mosques and churches. We should not be involved in any matter which might hurt a section of people,” she stressed.