We must be tolerant, people should respect each other: Mamata Banerjee

Stating that intolerance in the country is on the "rise", West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said people must respect each other.

"At a time when intolerance is on a rise, I will pray to Jesus Christ to show us the way, to give us the strength to stay united and one. We pray to Jesus for prosperity," Banerjee said at the inaugural function of the Kolkata Christmas festival on Wednesday.

"We must have tolerance. Everybody must respect each other... one must not be disrespectful to another," she said.

Wishing everybody a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, 2016 in advance, Banerjee said "India is a vast country with different caste and creed staying together. But, we are one because our unity is our strength."