West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly condemned the recent violence in Murshidabad, labeling it a “pre-planned” act orchestrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), select central agencies, and certain elements within the Border Security Force (BSF). Speaking at a gathering with Muslim clerics at Kolkata’s Netaji Indoor Stadium, Banerjee alleged that the unrest, which followed protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, was deliberately instigated to polarize communities ahead of the elections. She emphasized that border security is the sole responsibility of the Union government and questioned the BSF’s role during the clashes, even hinting at possible financial involvement of BSF personnel in encouraging local unrest.
Banerjee criticized the Union government’s handling of the situation, particularly targeting Home Minister Amit Shah. She stated that the government acted recklessly by pushing through the Waqf (Amendment) Act at a time when communal tensions were already rising in neighboring Bangladesh. According to her, this decision reflected not only a lack of sensitivity towards the Muslim community but also a politically motivated strategy aimed at dividing the population along religious lines. “They want chaos so they can consolidate votes,” she said, urging people to see through what she termed the BJP’s “Jumla politics.”
The violence in Murshidabad—affecting regions like Suti, Dhulian, Samserganj, and Jangipur—led to the deaths of at least three people, left many injured, and caused significant damage to both public and private property. The clashes erupted after statewide protests over the controversial legislation, which many in the Muslim community believe undermines the autonomy and management of Waqf properties. Banerjee has called for a thorough investigation and demanded accountability from central authorities for their alleged role in stoking the violence.
