During a conference with Imams, Muezzins, and intellectuals in Kolkata on Wednesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee squarely blamed the BJP and the central government for what she described as "pre-planned violence" during the protests in Murshidabad district against the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025.
She also claimed that the BSF had opened fire during the unrest and stated that the incident would be subject to an investigation.
#WATCH | Kolkata: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says "They (Centre) should answer how many youths have got jobs? The prices of medicines, petrol, and diesel have been increased, but some 'godi media' only speak against Bengal. If you have to say something, come and say it in… pic.twitter.com/XLLzYRlYqG
— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2025
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo countered the intelligence reports that claimed radicals belonging to Bangladesh-based outfits Jamaat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) were allegedly involved in Murshidabad violence.
“If Bangladeshis are involved, then why did the BSF allow them to come in? The border is managed by the BSF. The state government has no authority over border control. It has no way of knowing who is entering or leaving through the border,” she said.
#WATCH | During her meeting with Muslim clerics, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says "Yesterday, I saw a tweet from ANI quoting the Home Ministry that Bangladesh is involved in this (Murshidabad violence). If this is true, the Central Govt is responsible for it. BSF takes care of… https://t.co/yEW3bqGqrB pic.twitter.com/ubcrMMuTVP
— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2025
She further alleged that the BJP was using central agencies to trigger violence and directly held Union Home Minister Amit Shah responsible.
“The home ministry is cutting the branch it’s sitting on,” Banerjee remarked, appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi “to control” the home minister.
#WATCH | During her meeting with Muslim clerics, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says "I talk about all religions. Where does BJP go when we renovate Kaali Temple? When we celebrate Durga Puja, they say we don't let people celebrate here. Saraswati Puja is celebrated in every… pic.twitter.com/IDnZvibOzQ
— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2025
CM Banerjee reinstated her government's opposition to the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, and made it clear that the law wouldn't be implemented in West Bengal. She appealed for peace and urged religious leaders from the Muslim community to take their protests to Delhi.
“Protests in Bengal won’t help. Go to Delhi and try to meet with the Prime Minister and the President.”
Addressing the humanitarian impact of the unrest, she announced that the families of three victims from two households would receive Rs 10 lakh each in compensation. Additionally, homes damaged in the violence would be rebuilt under the state government’s Banglar Bari housing scheme, and assistance would also be provided to owners whose shops were vandalised.
Victims' families approach high court
Meanwhile, the victims' families approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe. They alleged that their homes were attacked with bombs and that police failed to come to their aid. The court has granted permission to file the case, and a hearing is expected on Thursday.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) also approached the high court demanding an NIA probe. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari filed a petition seeking permission to visit Murshidabad's Dhuliyan. He claimed that while leaders from other parties have gone there in the last few days, he has been denied permission.
The violence has reportedly displaced nearly 300 families in Murshidabad. Over 240 suspects have been arrested so far, and the situation in the district is largely under control. Internet services have been restored throughout the district, except Samserganj in Jangipur.
