West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took a jab at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday for the Indian Cricket team’s loss in the World Cup 2023 finals that was held in Ahmedabad.

She alleged that the BJP is attempting to “saffronise” the Indian Cricket team and claimed that if the finals had been held in Kolkata or Mumbai, India would have apparently won.

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This statement comes after India lost the World Cup 2023 final against Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad.

Addressing workers at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata, she stated, “They are trying to paint the entire country saffron. We are proud of our Indian players, and I believe that we would have won the World Cup if the finals had taken place in Kolkata or Wankhede (in Mumbai)”, as PTI reported.

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Furthermore, Banerjee alleged that saffron practice jerseys were introduced to the players, which they resisted, resulting in them not having to wear those jerseys during the matches.

She further attacked the BJP saying that “wherever sinners go, they take along their sins”.

Reacting to West Bengal CM’s remark,BJP leader Agnimitra Paul said,”Such petty politics and cheap statements can only be expected from leaders like Mamata Banerjee, Rahul Gandhi. This means you are discrediting the entire efforts of the Indian team”, she added, as PTI reported.

“The Indian team played so well that they won all the matches in the World Cup, except the one attended by the sinners,” without explicitly naming anyone.

Earlier, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in a poll speech in Rajasthan, used the ‘panauti’ barb against PM Narendra Modi, referring to his attendance at the World Cup final where India lost to Australia, after 10 consecutive wins in the tournament.

Gandhi said, “Panauti… panauti… Achha bhalaa hamare ladke wahaan World Cup jeetne waale the, par panauti harwaa diya.”

In response to that statement, the BJP has demanded action by the Election Commission against Gandhi for his comment.