Mamata Banerjee Calls Murshidabad Violence "Pre-Planned", Accuses BSF, BJP of Fomenting Tension

• Apr 16, 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday described the recent communal violence in Murshidabad as a "pre-planned" act and accused certain elements within the Border Security Force (BSF), central agencies, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of deliberately escalating tensions in the region. She claimed that cross-border infiltration from Bangladesh played a role in the unrest.

Speaking at a meeting with Imams, Banerjee alleged that despite the volatile situation in neighbouring Bangladesh, the central government allowed illegal entries across the border. She held the BSF and certain central agencies partially responsible for the disturbances in Bengal.

"I have seen reports suggesting the involvement of elements from across the border in the Murshidabad violence. Is it not the BSF's job to guard the international border? The state government has no control over border security — that’s the Centre’s responsibility," Banerjee said.

The Chief Minister also announced financial assistance of ₹10 lakh each for the families of the three individuals who died during the violence. She further directed the state’s chief secretary to conduct a probe into the BSF’s alleged role in the incident, claiming that BSF personnel opened fire, which resulted in one of the fatalities.

Banerjee strongly criticized the BJP, accusing the party of bringing in outsiders to incite violence. “Why were BJP goons allowed to enter the state, create chaos, and flee? There must be accountability. Their goal is to divide Hindus and Muslims and push their Jumla politics. But our mission is to unite, not divide,” she said.

The Chief Minister also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to implement the "atrocious" Waqf Amendment Act and appealed to him to exercise control over Union Home Minister Amit Shah. “I request the Prime Minister to rein in Amit Shah, who is causing damage to the nation for his political gains,” she said.

Banerjee’s remarks come amid growing political tensions and concerns over communal harmony in West Bengal, with the state government demanding that the Centre take full responsibility for securing its borders and maintaining peace.