Kolkata, April 22, 2025 — West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has blamed “outsiders” for orchestrating the recent violence in Murshidabad, alleging that it was a premeditated act backed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and certain central agencies. Announcing plans to visit the violence-hit areas in early May, Banerjee asserted that her government is determined to restore peace and order in the region.
Violence erupted in Murshidabad earlier this month following protests against the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The unrest claimed three lives, left at least ten people injured, and displaced over 400 residents. Key disruptions included the blocking of National Highway 12, arson attacks on police vehicles, and the ransacking of a local Member of Parliament’s office. In response, authorities deployed additional security forces, suspended internet services, and following an order from the Calcutta High Court, central forces were also pressed into service to control the situation.
Accusing the BJP and the Border Security Force (BSF) of collusion, Banerjee alleged that Bangladeshi infiltrators were facilitated into West Bengal as part of a broader strategy to destabilize the state ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. “The Murshidabad violence is a conspiracy hatched by the BJP with the help of certain central agencies. Outsiders were brought in to create chaos,” she said.
The BJP, however, has rejected these allegations, stating that the violence was a direct result of the state government’s failure to maintain law and order. According to BJP leaders, the administration’s inaction allowed miscreants to disrupt what were otherwise peaceful religious processions.
As political blame games intensify, Banerjee’s planned visit to the affected areas is seen as a crucial step toward calming tensions and reassuring residents. Observers believe her on-ground assessment and outreach will significantly impact both the restoration of normalcy and the political narrative in the run-up to the national elections.
