Need leaders like Gandhiji to tide over crisis: Mamata

Stressing the need to maintain communal harmony in the country, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said Tuesday Mahatma Gandhi had always stood for tolerance and showed respect to all religions.

Describing Gandhi as a "true leader of the masses" who could take everyone along in his fight for rights, Banerjee said the country was currently going through "difficult times" due to rising fuel prices and religious intolerance.

"We need leaders and statesmen like Gandhiji who could guide us during times of crisis," the chief minister said after laying the foundation stone of a new museum complex at the state-acquired Gandhi Bhawan in Beleghata here, on the occasion of Bapu's 149th birth anniversary.

Those who respect and follow Gandhiji's ideals will protect the unity and integrity of the nation, she asserted.

"Let us give a call for amity and unity and defeat communalism. Bengal, which stands for tolerance and civility, can never be intimidated by threat, coercion, ...