West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has made a strong statement regarding the recent riots in Murshidabad, labeling them as a “pre-planned communal riot.” Her remarks come in the wake of escalating tensions and violence in the region, prompting her to call for accountability from the Central Government.
Key Points from Mamata Banerjee’s Address
- Allegations Against the Central Government: Banerjee emphasized that if individuals from Bangladesh were involved in the riots, the responsibility lies with the Central Government, as the Border Security Force (BSF) is tasked with guarding the international borders. She stated, “I saw a tweet yesterday quoting Home Ministry sources that Bangladesh is involved in this. If that is the case, the Central government is responsible since BSF guards the borders, not us.”
- Appeal to the Muslim Community: The Chief Minister urged the Muslim community to avoid falling into the “trap” set by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), warning that the party aims to polarize communities to destabilize her government. She cautioned, “Once they come to power, they won’t even allow you to eat.”
Call for Peace and Responsibility
- Role of Religious Leaders: Banerjee called upon Imams and Muezzins to help maintain peace and guide their communities against reacting to provocative statements. She highlighted the importance of their role in ensuring that tensions do not escalate further.
- Criticism of the Waqf Amendment Act: During her speech, Banerjee also criticized the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act, stating that her party MPs opposed the bill in Parliament. She urged other members of the opposition to protest against it, questioning the support it received from BJP allies.
Compensation for Riot Victims
- Financial Aid Announcement: In response to the violence, Banerjee announced that families of those who lost their lives in the Murshidabad riots would receive ₹10 lakh as compensation. This move aims to provide some relief to the affected families during this difficult time.
Conclusion
Mamata Banerjee’s statements regarding the Murshidabad riots reflect her concerns about communal tensions and the political implications of such violence. As the situation unfolds, her calls for accountability and peace resonate with the need for stability in West Bengal.
