West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that the recent violence in Murshidabad was orchestrated in advance, accusing various entities—including the Border Security Force (BSF)—of involvement.
She claimed that some minors were allegedly paid by the BSF to create unrest, saying, “We’re receiving reports… the BSF used some people, even minor boys, giving them a few thousand rupees.”
Referring to a tweet quoting Home Ministry sources that linked Bangladesh to the violence, Banerjee pointed the finger at the Central government. “If Bangladesh is involved, then the Centre is responsible. The BSF guards the border, not the state government,” she said.
She also targeted Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of manipulating central agencies, and warned of political change. “What will happen when Narendra Modi is no longer Prime Minister next year? You will crawl,” she said.
Banerjee appealed directly to Modi, asking him to rein in Shah and reject divisive policies: “Don’t allow cruel laws. He can’t divide India.”
On Wednesday, she held a meeting with religious leaders, including imams, Sikh representatives, and Sanatani Brahmins, where she announced compensation for the victims. Families of those killed would receive Rs 10 lakh each; homes that were ransacked would be rebuilt under the Banglar Bari scheme; and shop owners would be compensated based on assessed damage.
She criticized the Centre’s haste in passing the Waqf Amendment, questioning whether it intended to trigger unrest. “What’s the plan? To incite riots using certain agencies that enable cross-border movement?” she asked.
Banerjee also slammed the Centre over unemployment and inflation, accusing the media of selectively targeting Bengal. “If you want to criticise me, do it to my face,” she said.
Additionally, she blamed the Congress party, noting that the violence occurred in Malda—a Congress-held region—not Murshidabad. “If our party was involved, would three of our MLAs’ homes have been attacked?” she asked.
The Murshidabad violence erupted in April 2025 following protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The unrest led to deaths, injuries, and significant property damage. National Highway 12 was blocked, police vehicles torched, a local MP’s office was attacked, and train services were disrupted. Over 400 people, including women and children, fled to nearby Malda.
In response, authorities suspended internet services and deployed additional security forces. The Calcutta High Court also ordered the deployment of central forces to restore law and order. Political parties remain divided on the causes, with the BJP blaming the state government and the TMC pointing to external interference.
