India, Sept. 7 -- Recalling the role of non-Bengali communities during the 1946 communal riots in Kolkata, BJP's West Bengal unit president Samik Bhattacharya has appealed to people to remain united to ensure that the city retained an atmosphere conducive to celebrating Durga Puja.

Speaking at the 'khunti puja' (pole worship ritual marking the official start of Durga Puja preparations) ceremony organised by Shatadal Sangha in central Kolkata's Bowbazar area on Sunday, Bhattacharya said communities such as the Guptas and the Jaiswals had stood by the Bengalis during the riots and "saved them from extinction".

His comments drew criticism from the opposition parties, with the Congress claiming that the BJP leader's remarks were driven by e...