West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday issued a fervent appeal for peace in the state, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), of orchestrating a "vicious false campaign" to stoke communal tensions following the recent violence in Murshidabad district.
In a strongly worded letter shared by PTI, Mamata stated, “BJP and its allies have suddenly become very aggressive in West Bengal. These allies include RSS. I have not taken the RSS’s name earlier, but I am being forced now to identify them. Together, they have initiated a vicious false campaign in the State.”
She accused the BJP and RSS of misusing a “provoked incident” to further their divisive political agenda, stating, “They are planning to play the ‘divide and rule’ game. This is sinister.”
Mamata, who has always professed her deep bond with both the state and the nation, wrote, “I am born and brought up in West Bengal, my motherland; I love India as my country. I love my country, I love my State, I love my grassroots from the district to the block and the village level – and that is how I love all. It is this love that makes me write this appeal.”
Appeal for Communal Harmony
Calling for communal harmony, she urged, “Please remain calm. We condemn communal riots and must curb them. The criminals behind the riots are being strongly dealt with. But, simultaneously, we must avoid mutual mistrust and distrust.”
Referring to the recent communal clashes in Samsherganj, Suti, Dhulian, and Jangipur areas of Murshidabad, triggered by protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, Mamata claimed that BJP and its allies attempted to exploit Ram Navami festivities, which had remained peaceful, and later targeted the Waqf agitation. She also accused them of maligning the universal Hinduism practised in Bengal.
“BJP and its allies are defaming the universal Hinduism of ours in the name of their so-called political agenda,” Mamata said, contrasting their ideology with the inclusive teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda. “This universal religion teaches me to embrace all, accept all, love all. It teaches me to respect all religions.”
Government Action
Mamata highlighted the state government’s response, saying, “Two police officers-in-charge have been removed. Police is investigating. Further actions are being taken.” She stressed, “Riots are created neither by Hindus nor by Muslims – riots are engineered by criminals.”
Criticizing the central government’s approach to law and order in other states, she remarked, “In UP, Bihar, MP, Rajasthan, protest rallies are not allowed! But no such anti-Constitutional dispensation is there in West Bengal… Manipur is burning for several months now… Assam and Tripura are also in profound turmoil.”
Cultural Harmony in West Bengal
The Chief Minister also emphasized the state’s cultural harmony and inclusivity, noting that Bengal celebrates all major festivals across communities with equal fervor. “No community will be disturbed or adversely affected in West Bengal,” she assured, calling on people to reject misinformation spread by “outsiders” who incite riots for their narrow political gain.
Mamata ended her letter by urging people to stay united and resist divisive propaganda, quoting Rabindranath Tagore:
“O haraho tava ahobaan prachaarito, shuni tava udaar baani. Hindu Bauddha Sikh Jain Paarsik Musolmaan Khrishtaani Purab Pashchim aashe tava singhaasan-paashe, premohar hoy gaanthaa, Janagan-aikya-bidhaayak, Joy he Bharatbhagyobidhaataa.”
(“Your call rings constantly; we hear Your noble message. Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Muslims, Christians – from East and West – come to Your seat. They weave a garland of love. The unity of people brings You victory, O Maker of India’s destiny.”)
Governor, NHRC, NCW Visit Murshidabad Violence-Hit Areas
Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose, along with teams from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the National Commission for Women (NCW), visited the affected areas and interacted with victims. According to PTI, Bose met with the families of the deceased in Shamsherganj and assured them of action, saying, “They have asked for permanent BSF outposts in the locality… Some proactive action will definitely be taken.”
The NCW delegation, led by Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, noted that victims demanded an NIA inquiry and permanent BSF camps. Rahatkar expressed shock at the suffering of the victims, stating, “I am dumbfounded by the agony these women are having to suffer… What they went through during the violence is beyond imagination.” She assured them of central support.
Placards seen during the visit read:
“We don’t want Lakshmir Bhandar, we want BSF camp. We want security.”
Political Reactions and Criticism
Trinamool Congress (TMC) criticized the visits, questioning the motives behind them. TMC Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale alleged that NCW member Archana Majumdar was a “card-carrying BJP worker.” TMC State General Secretary Kunal Ghosh claimed that these “synchronised visits” indicated the BJP’s plan not to normalize the situation.
The BJP staged rallies across the state, condemning the administration’s handling of the violence and demanding arrests. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari claimed that relief camps had turned into detention centres.
West Bengal Congress President Subhankar Sarkar also visited the affected areas and alleged that the riots were “pre-planned” and “no local Muslims were involved.” He demanded that Mamata Banerjee provide jobs and educational support to the victims’ families.