Kolkata (West Bengal) [India]: Following recent violence in Mothabari (Malda district), West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday reiterated her government’s commitment to preventing riots and maintaining communal harmony. Speaking at the Eidgah gathering in Kolkata on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, Banerjee took a swipe at opposition parties, accusing them of fueling unrest for political gains.
Mamata Banerjee’s Strong Message on Law & Order
During her speech, Banerjee emphasized her administration’s zero-tolerance policy toward riots:
“We are ready to sacrifice our lives for all religions… The duty of the majority is to protect the minority, and the duty of the minority is to stay with the majority. We will not let anyone riot. We have only one voice, which is to stop the riots.”
Attack on BJP & CPI(M): ‘Red and Saffron Are One’
In a veiled attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), Banerjee alleged that the two parties were colluding against her government.
“We are secular. Navratri is going on; I extend my best wishes for that as well, but we do not want anyone to create chaos. Common people do not create chaos, but political parties do.
Aaj Lal aur Gerua ek ho gaya (Today Red and Saffron have joined hands). Let it be. This is a matter of shame.”
Mothabari Violence: 61 Arrested, Situation Under Control
Her remarks follow violent clashes that broke out in Mothabari (Malda district) on March 27, leading to the arrest of 61 people. In response to the violence, the government imposed an internet suspension in three affected areas.
Additional Director General (ADG) Law and Order, Jawed Shamim, assured that the situation is now under control:
“The situation in Mothabari is completely under control. Till now, 19 cases have been registered, and 61 people have been arrested… Today, there have been no incidents of violence in the region.”
BJP’s Protest Against Malda Clashes
In response to the Mothabari violence, the BJP held a protest on Friday, blaming the state government for its failure to maintain law and order. The party has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government of appeasement politics and demanded stricter action against the perpetrators.
With political tensions rising in West Bengal, Banerjee’s comments signal a strong pushback against opposition parties, even as law enforcement agencies work to restore normalcy in Malda.