Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday pulled up Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a “provocative speech” in his poll campaign in Asansol and appealed to people to maintain harmony and reject the BJP’s alleged divisive agenda.

“I have learnt from the media about what the Prime Minister said in his election speech. He shamelessly reminded (people about) the unfortunate riot of 2018 with an aim to instigate and divide people. This does not suit a Prime Minister,” Mamata said in Asansol, speaking in Hindi.

She was campaigning for Trinamul nominees from Asansol (North), the largest Muslim populated constituency in West Burdwan, and Barabani Assembly segments.

The Asansol North Assembly segment was among the worst-hit in the 2018 riot in which at least three people were killed. Unofficial sources put the toll at four.

Mamata reminded people about the “nobility” of Maulana Imdadullah Rasheedi, imam of a local mosque who lost his son in that riot but appealed for peace. “Do you remember the imam here who appealed for peace even after losing his son in the riot? He appealed to everyone to stop the riot despite losing his son. His appeal helped us resume normality here. Do you remember him?” she asked.

Mamata said people lived and worked here in harmony since long. “But the Prime Minister on that day tried to disturb peace here. I am feeling ashamed,” she said.

Rasheedi’s younger son, Sibtullah, who had appeared for his Class X board exams, had been picked up by a mob. His wounded body was found the next day. He was suspected to have been beaten to death.

Rasheedi appealed to people at the Idgah Maidan, where his son was buried, to maintain peace. “My son has died, but I don’t want anyone else to lose his child. If you strike back, I shall leave the mosque as well as this town,” he said.

The incident had caught media attention and helped the administration calm the situation.

Mamata also called Asansol MP Babul Supriyo’s nomination as BJP candidate from Tollygunge Assembly seat an insult to Asansol’s people. “You elected Babul Supriyo as an MP from here twice. But he escaped to Tollygunge to contest in the Assembly election. Was it not an insult to you?”