Aamir Khan spoke his mind; this country belongs to him as well: Mamata Banerjee

Addressing a Muslim rally, Mamata said that Aamir spoke his mind and nobody has the right to ask him to leave the country.

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday came out in support of Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, who has been facing a severe backlash ever since he spoke on the intolerance row.

Addressing a Muslim rally here, Mamata said that Aamir spoke his mind and nobody has the right to ask him to leave the country.

“Aamir Khan has said what he felt as an Indian. Who are you to tell him to leave the country?” the Trinamool Congress chief said.

“This is our country, it belongs to everyone. This is our janmabhoomi, our karmabhoomi,” she added.

“Who are you to tell us to go to Pakistan? Or what to wear or what to eat?”

Mamata further expressed fears that since she is now speaking on the issue, the CBI may be unleashed against her.

“Just because I am speaking against them, they might unleash the CBI against me. I am not afraid,” she said, adding, “I do not fear death. Death will come to all one day. I believe keeping my heads held high and practising fearless politics.”

Mamata further vowed to protect the interests of people from all religions.

“I will keep protecting the Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians alike. No one will be neglected,” she categorically stated.

The rally - held at Shahid Minar grounds - was organised by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind. JuH is a leading organisation of Bengali-speaking Muslims.