WestBengal CM Mamata Banerjee Appeals for Peace Amid Waqf Act Protests; Accuses BJP of Fueling Violence

#WestBengal CM Mamata Banerjee Appeals for Peace Amid Waqf Act Protests; Accuses BJP of Fueling Violence

Kolkata, April 20, 2025 – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued a fervent appeal for peace following days of violent protests and communal clashes in Murshidabad and other districts over the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. In an open letter, she accused the BJP and its allies, including the RSS, of orchestrating disturbances and exploiting religious sentiments for political gains .

Root of the Violence

The unrest erupted on April 11 in Murshidabad, a Muslim-majority district, after protests against the Centre’s Waqf Act amendments turned violent. Demonstrators clashed with police, leading to arson, stone-pelting, and road blockades. At least three people, including a father-son duo, were killed, and dozens were injured. Properties, including homes and shops, were vandalized, forcing hundreds to flee to relief camps in Malda and Jharkhand .

The BJP-led central government asserts that the amended law aims to improve Waqf property management, but opposition parties, including Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC), allege it is a “targeted legislation” violating constitutional principles . Banerjee has refused to implement the Act in West Bengal, questioning, “We did not make this law. So what is the riot about?” .

Mamata Banerjee’s Measures

In her appeal, Banerjee:

• Urged citizens to reject “communal rhetoric” and avoid falling into the “trap of mistrust” .
• Warned rioters, stating that “strict legal action” would be taken, with two police officers already removed for lapses .
• Accused the BJP-RSS of planning “divide and rule” tactics, alleging they initially tried to incite violence during Ram Navami but failed .
• Emphasized unity, invoking Swami Vivekananda’s Hinduism as a religion of “universal love”, contrasting it with BJP’s “narrow politics” .

Governor’s Intervention

West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose visited Murshidabad, meeting victims’ families and terming the violence “barbaric”. He assured permanent BSF outposts for security and pledged to submit a report to the Centre . Meanwhile, BJP leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari, held a “Hindu Bachao Rally” in Kolkata, demanding NIA probes and President’s Rule in Bengal .

BJP’s Role & Counter-Allegations

The BJP and VHP have:

• Blamed the TMC for “appeasement politics” and failing to protect Hindus .
• Organized nationwide protests, demanding Banerjee’s resignation .
• Pushed for central intervention, with VHP seeking President’s Rule .

Current Situation

While internet services have resumed in affected areas and 272 arrests made, tensions linger. Banerjee’s call for “peaceful protests” contrasts with BJP’s hardline stance, deepening the political rift .