West Bengal’s Murshidabad district witnessed intense violence on Saturday as protests against the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill entered their second day. A teenage boy was seriously injured in alleged firing by security forces, while another man also sustained gunshot wounds. Protesters clashed with police, resulting in a heavy crackdown involving tear gas, baton charges, and the firing of four rounds. The unrest spread across Stuti, Samserganj, Malda, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly districts, with police vehicles torched, railway tracks blocked, and properties vandalised. The situation prompted the deployment of the Railway Police Force and the Border Security Force to control the chaos.

The political fallout was swift and sharp, with the BJP accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress of instigating the violence. BJP leader Amit Malviya labelled Banerjee a “liar,” claiming she incited unrest through public opposition to the bill. He also asserted that state governments have no power to block central legislation, placing full responsibility for the violence on the TMC. Banerjee, in her defense, appealed for peace through social media, stating the law would not be implemented in Bengal and warned of legal action against those inciting riots. She emphasised that human life is valuable and politics should not spark communal strife.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, passed last week after a contentious debate in Parliament, has faced strong resistance from opposition parties and sections of the Muslim community. Key changes include the mandatory inclusion of two non-Muslim members in Waqf boards and stricter eligibility norms for donors. Protesters fear these changes could allow undue interference in Muslim charitable institutions. Demonstrations have erupted across Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, and even Manipur—where a BJP leader’s house was set ablaze. While the government insists the bill doesn’t alter the core structure of Waqf management, 15 petitions challenging its constitutionality are scheduled for a Supreme Court hearing on April 16.