In a strong political statement, West Bengal Chief Minister
Mamata Banerjee has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating
the recent communal violence in Murshidabad, which erupted over the Waqf
Amendment Act. Addressing a meeting with Muslim religious leaders in Kolkata on
Wednesday, Banerjee claimed that the violence was "pre-planned" and
linked to efforts by the BJP, some central agencies, and elements within the
Border Security Force (BSF) to create unrest.
Explosive Allegations: BSF and BJP's Role in the Violence
Mamata Banerjee’s remarks were sharp and accusatory. She
alleged that the BJP played a crucial role in stoking tensions in the region by
allowing cross-border infiltration from Bangladesh. Banerjee pointed out that
such activities were not the responsibility of the state government but were
under the purview of the central government and the BSF, which guards the
international border. She questioned the BSF's involvement, asking, "Is it
not the role of the BSF to guard the border?"
She further raised concerns about the alleged involvement of
BSF elements in the violence. Banerjee claimed that the BSF had financed local
youth to pelt stones during the clashes, asking why such actions had been
allowed. She added, "I will find out who the BSF had financed in the
border areas."
Mamata also accused the BJP of allowing "goons"
from outside the region to enter and incite violence before fleeing the scene.
“Why were BJP goons from outside allowed to come and create chaos?” she
questioned, emphasizing that the party's intent was to polarize the situation
along religious lines. “They want to polarize and divide Hindus and Muslims,”
Banerjee said, calling out the BJP for fueling religious division for political
gain.
Opposition to the Waqf Amendment Act
Mamata Banerjee, a staunch critic of the new Waqf Amendment
Act, continued her attack on the BJP, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to
reconsider the "atrocious" law, which she believes will further
divide the country. The Waqf Amendment Act, she argued, was a tool that would
deepen religious divides in India.
Banerjee warned that this legislation could have
far-reaching consequences for the country, saying, “They want their Jumla
government. Don’t divide the country, unite it instead.” The Chief Minister
called on PM Modi to act before the situation escalates further.
Mamata's Criticism of Amit Shah
In addition to attacking the BJP, Mamata Banerjee turned her
ire towards Union Home Minister Amit Shah. She accused Shah of harming the
nation with his political agenda and misusing central agencies to serve his
interests. “I would request the Prime Minister to keep a check on Amit Shah. He
is harming the country the most to serve his political interests,” Banerjee
said, adding that Shah was hasty in his actions and would never become the
Prime Minister.
Banerjee expressed her concern about the central
government's increasing interference in state matters and urged PM Modi to
control his Home Minister, saying, "The PM must see how his home minister
is misusing central agencies."
Call for Opposition Unity Against Waqf Act
Mamata Banerjee also appealed to the broader opposition
alliance, the INDIA bloc, to unite against the recently enacted Waqf Amendment
Act. She urged the opposition to come together and resist the legislation,
warning that its implications would extend beyond a specific community. “This
isn’t just a personal issue; it will impact everyone. Today, they are targeting
one group. Tomorrow, it could be another,” Banerjee said.
She also referred to the BJP’s future plans, including
discussions around the Uniform Civil Code, indicating that the party's ultimate
goal was to push forward divisive policies. “After this, they are even talking
about bringing in a Uniform Civil Code,” she added, underlining her concerns
about the country’s future under the BJP's rule.
Conclusion
Mamata Banerjee’s explosive accusations regarding the
Murshidabad violence and her calls for opposition unity against the Waqf
Amendment Act underline the growing political tensions between the BJP and the
opposition. With the allegations against the BSF and the BJP’s role in the
unrest, the state’s political climate remains highly charged. Banerjee's strong
stance against the central government’s policies, particularly the Waqf
Amendment Act, reflects her commitment to opposing divisive legislation and fighting
for unity in the country.