Lagatar24 Desk
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited violence-hit Murshidabad on Monday and blamed the BJP and Border Security Force (BSF) for inciting communal unrest. She alleged that the clashes were pre-planned and accused the Centre of fuelling religious tensions in the state.
BSF actions triggered violence, NHRC silence questioned
Mamata Banerjee said the BSF’s actions directly led to escalation of the violence. She questioned the National Human Rights Commission’s (NHRC) swift response in Murshidabad while accusing the body of ignoring incidents in Manipur and Uttar Pradesh. The Chief Minister alleged that BJP workers deliberately prevented victims from meeting her by relocating them.
Appeal for peace, condemnation of attacks on migrants
The Trinamool Congress chief reiterated that all communities—Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians—are equal in her eyes. She condemned attacks on Bengali-speaking migrant workers in states like Odisha, Maharashtra, and Bihar, saying, “We will not retaliate. That is the difference between you and me.”
She added that over 1.5 crore people from across India live and work peacefully in Bengal. “We’ve reached out to the state governments of Odisha, Bihar and Rajasthan regarding these incidents,” she said.
Digha temple row, warning to BJP over communal politics
Responding to the controversy around the new Jagannath Temple in Digha, Banerjee dismissed allegations of using neem wood improperly. “The idols in the Digha temple are made of marble,” she clarified, accusing BJP leaders of trying to politicize a religious issue.
She warned the BJP against playing with communal fire, adding, “Instead of spreading religious hatred, you should focus on securing the borders.”
Women seek security, Centre monitoring situation
Sources say that widows of men killed in the clashes have appealed to the Governor for protection. As tensions grow, there are reports that the Centre is reviewing the law and order situation and could consider imposing Article 356 if conditions worsen.
West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose has already submitted a detailed report on the Murshidabad violence to the Union Home Ministry, reportedly flagging rising radicalism and extremism in the state.
