Kolkata, June 18 -- Addressing the communal tension over planting Tulsi in place of a fruit vendor's shop, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called it an insult to the sacred plant and said that people have the right to follow their religion.

On Wednesday, CM Mamata Banerjee said, "If there can be a Dargah around Belur Math, why do such politics? Plants can be plotted anywhere... Do it with purity."

She added, "A few plants are given importance due to their divine connection. We offer Bel leaves to Shiv, Maa Durga, and Maa Kaali. I have 40 varieties of Tulsi in my house as well. The Tulsi plant has Laxmi and Narayan. The Tulsi plant should not be just anywhere; dignity must be maintained."

Defending the fruit vendor, she said,...