Kolkata, April 16 – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday called the recent communal clashes in Murshidabad “pre-meditated,” accusing the BJP, a section of the BSF, and central agencies of provoking unrest by enabling cross-border infiltration from Bangladesh.
Speaking at a meeting with Muslim clerics, Banerjee urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to withdraw the “draconian” Waqf (Amendment) Act, warning that it would deepen religious divisions. She also took direct aim at Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of misusing central agencies for political gain and urging the PM to “rein him in.”
Banerjee alleged that despite rising tensions in Bangladesh, the Centre pushed through the Waqf law and allowed illegal crossings, contributing to the unrest in Bengal. She claimed that a section of BSF personnel aided the violence by financing local youths to incite chaos. An investigation has been ordered into their role.
“The BSF is responsible for guarding the borders. If elements from across the border were involved, how did they cross? The Centre must take accountability,” she said. The CM announced ₹10 lakh compensation for the families of those killed and directed the Chief Secretary to probe the BSF’s involvement.
Criticising Shah, she said, “He is damaging the country for his political ambitions. PM Modi must control him. He’s not going to become Prime Minister, so what is he rushing for?”
Banerjee further claimed that outsiders backed by the BJP had entered the state to trigger violence and fled afterward. “Their aim is to polarise. They want a jumla government by dividing people. But Bengal stands for unity,” she said.
Slamming the Waqf Amendment Act as “anti-federal,” she questioned the urgency behind its passage and said it should have gone through a constitutional amendment process. “Was the Centre unaware of regional sensitivities? Why rush it when neighbouring Bangladesh is unstable?” she asked.
Refuting opposition claims that the TMC was behind the clashes, she argued, “If we were involved, why were our leaders’ homes attacked?”
Reaffirming her commitment to communal peace, Banerjee praised the people for rejecting attempts to incite violence during Ram Navami. “We want peace. There are mischief-makers in every community, but we must stand united. As long as I’m here, I’ll never let anyone divide Hindus and Muslims,” she said.
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