New Delhi [India], April 13: BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Sunday launched a sharp criticism against the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government, holding it accountable for the recent wave of violence in Murshidabad.
In a scathing statement, Poonawalla alleged that the violence was “state-sponsored, state-protected, and state-encouraged targeted violence against Hindus,” claiming that members of the Hindu community are being forced to migrate, with temples vandalized and idols demolished.
“Bengal is burning, and Mamata Banerjee’s government is completely responsible for this. Hindu houses and shops are being selectively targeted and set ablaze. Even saffron flags are being pulled down. This is happening in the land of Swami Vivekananda. The extent of appeasement politics is shameful,” Poonawalla said.
The remarks come in the wake of violent protests in Murshidabad, triggered by opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Act. As per West Bengal Police, 150 individuals have been arrested in connection with the unrest, and heavy police deployment has been made in Samserganj, Dhuliyan, and other vulnerable regions.
The situation prompted a special bench of the Calcutta High Court on Saturday to order the immediate deployment of central forces in Murshidabad. The court also demanded detailed reports from both the state and central governments, with the next hearing scheduled for April 17.
Advocate Anish Mukherjee, representing Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, filed a PIL seeking central force deployment and an NIA investigation, citing “widespread violence” throughout West Bengal, particularly in Murshidabad.
Security has also been intensified in Jangipur, following incidents of public property damage. Although the situation has stabilized in some areas, tensions remain high, with protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act continuing in other parts of the state.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, passed by Parliament and signed into law on April 5, has sparked controversy and protests from various opposition parties and groups.