Murshidabad Violence Was ‘Pre-Planned by BJP’, Says West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee
Mamata Banerjee Blames Centre for “Pre-Planned” Violence in Murshidabad Over Waqf Law
Murshidabad, West Bengal – April 17, 2025:
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that the recent communal violence in Murshidabad was “pre-planned” and orchestrated by the BJP, a section of the Border Security Force (BSF), and central agencies under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Speaking at a meeting with religious leaders in Kolkata on Wednesday, Banerjee accused the central government of provoking unrest over the contentious Waqf law.
Tensions flared in Murshidabad during protests against the proposed changes to Waqf property regulations. While BJP leaders have blamed the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for inciting the violence, Mamata Banerjee strongly denied these claims and instead pointed fingers at the Centre. According to her, the violence was not spontaneous but strategically engineered to create communal division in the state.
“I came across news quoting Home Ministry sources that elements from across the border were involved. If that is true, then what was the BSF doing?” Banerjee questioned, highlighting that border security is the exclusive responsibility of the central government. “The BSF is under the MHA, not the state. The Centre cannot wash its hands of this situation,” she asserted.
She further alleged that the BJP facilitated the entry of “outsiders” and individuals from Bangladesh to incite violence in Murshidabad, a district bordering the international frontier. The BSF, she claimed, failed to prevent the cross-border infiltration, raising questions about the effectiveness of central agencies.
Banerjee also accused the BJP of using the Waqf law protests to fan communal sentiments for political gain. “This is not just an attack on peace but on the unity of our state. They are trying to divide Bengal along religious lines,” she said.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come amidst growing political tensions in West Bengal, with both the TMC and BJP trading charges over law and order issues. Her outreach to religious leaders is seen as an attempt to ease communal tensions and consolidate support among minority communities.
As investigations continue, the state remains on high alert. Meanwhile, Banerjee’s sharp criticism of the Centre has added fuel to the ongoing power struggle between the state and Union governments.
🔥 Key Allegations by Mamata Banerjee:
- Violence was “pre-planned”
Mamata Banerjee described the recent communal violence in Murshidabad as not spontaneous but orchestrated, implying a deliberate attempt to incite unrest during protests over the Waqf law. - Blames BSF, Central Agencies & BJP
She accused:- BSF (Border Security Force): for allegedly failing to prevent or even facilitating cross-border entry.
- Central agencies (under MHA): for possibly abetting or ignoring the brewing tension.
- BJP: for politicizing the situation and allegedly using it to incite communal division.
- Cross-border Infiltration from Bangladesh
The CM referenced reports from the Union Home Ministry itself, which mentioned “cross-border elements.” She countered that if infiltration occurred, it’s a failure of the BSF and MHA, not the state — since border management is a central subject. - Response to BJP’s Accusations
BJP leaders had reportedly accused TMC of fanning tensions over the Waqf law issue. In response, Mamata denied the allegations and redirected the focus to the Centre’s alleged mishandling and inaction. - Appeal to Religious Leaders
Addressing Imams and religious leaders in Kolkata, she likely aimed to calm communities while reinforcing her narrative that TMC stands against communal polarization.
🧭 Political & Strategic Context:
- TMC vs BJP Showdown: This is part of the broader power tussle between TMC and BJP in West Bengal, where communal incidents often become flashpoints in political battles.
- Mamata’s Messaging: She’s positioning herself as the protector of secularism and law and order in Bengal, while portraying the Centre as failing in its constitutional duties.
- Timing Matters: With national and local elections looming, narratives around law, order, and minority safety can significantly influence voter sentiment.
