New Delhi: On Monday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a vehement attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of deliberately ignoring the victims of violence in Murshidabad due to “her hatred for Hindus.” Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in New Delhi, BJP MP and national spokesperson Sambit Patra asserted that Banerjee’s actions were selectively biased. He alleged that, had the violence been directed against Muslims, the chief minister would have been actively campaigning in the affected area.
The controversy centers around violent protests in Murshidabad, a Muslim-majority district, that broke out on April 11 during a demonstration against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The protest swiftly escalated, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, multiple injuries, and significant property damage. The unrest forced thousands of residents to flee their homes in search of safety. The violent incidents soon spread to other districts, including Malda, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly, where reports of arson, stone-pelting, and road blockades added to the disorder.
In response to the unfolding situation, the BJP intensified its criticism not only against Mamata Banerjee but also against political opponents, including the Trinamool Congress and the CPI(M), accusing them of displaying selective outrage and religious bias. As the crisis deepens, the party has been vocal about demanding accountability and a uniform response to violence, regardless of the community affected.
In a related development, Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar visited the violence-affected areas in West Bengal and held discussions with the victims of the Waqf Act protests. Majumdar emphasized that if the Kolkata High Court authorizes the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take charge of the investigation, the government must comply with the court’s directive and follow the judicial process without delay.
