Chief Minister Calls Violence ‘Well-Planned’, Promises Relief for Victims
Murshidabad, May 5 — West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the violence-affected regions of Suti and Shamsherganj in Murshidabad district today, where recent communal clashes claimed three lives and displaced hundreds. Addressing the media during her visit, she squarely blamed the BJP-led central government and the Border Security Force (BSF) for “engineering communal tensions” in the region.
Aftermath of Violence That Shook Bengal
The Murshidabad violence, sparked by protests against the Waqf Amendment Act, spiraled into a major law and order situation in late April. Multiple houses were set ablaze, local shops were looted, and scores of families were forced to flee. Residents described scenes of fear and chaos, with many alleging that security forces arrived late or stood by passively.
Banerjee’s visit comes as hundreds of affected residents continue to stay in makeshift shelters, awaiting state assistance.
“This Was a Deliberate Act,” Says Banerjee
In her strongly worded address, the Chief Minister alleged that the riots were “well-planned” and orchestrated to destabilize communal harmony in Bengal ahead of the 2026 state elections.
“They are using central agencies and the BSF to stoke tensions. Why was the NHRC so quick to react in Bengal but silent on similar issues in other states?” Banerjee asked, adding that she suspected deliberate manipulation of intelligence and law enforcement by BJP leaders at the Centre.
She further claimed that many affected families were forcibly relocated by “outside forces” to prevent them from meeting her during her visit.
Focus on Relief and Reconstruction
Despite the political overtones, the Chief Minister’s visit also marked the beginning of a state-led rehabilitation drive. The government has identified 316 homes that were completely destroyed and promised reconstruction support under the Bangla Awas Yojana.
Special teams have been deployed to assess damage, expedite documentation, and ensure affected residents are compensated without bureaucratic delays.
TMC vs BJP: War of Words Escalates
BJP leaders responded swiftly to Banerjee’s accusations, calling them “baseless and diversionary.” State BJP President Sukanta Majumdar said, “The Chief Minister is trying to cover up administrative failure by blaming central forces. Law and order is a state subject.”
Political observers believe the incident could become a flashpoint in the upcoming panchayat polls and general elections, further polarizing voter sentiment in the region.
Local Sentiment: Hope Mixed with Fear
While some residents welcomed the CM’s presence and assurance, others remain skeptical. “We have lost everything,” said Abdul Kadir, a 55-year-old shop owner. “It’s not about politics. We want peace and justice.”
With tensions still simmering, Mamata Banerjee’s visit may offer temporary relief, but the path to rebuilding trust and restoring normalcy in Murshidabad remains long and complex.
