Malda: Union Minister and West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar on April 14 expressed concern over the tense situation in Murshidabad, stating that the deployment of central forces, such as the CRPF, could help improve the situation.
Majumdar also urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to request central assistance to maintain peace and normalcy. “The situation is very tense and bad. The situation can be improved by keeping the central force here for a long time. I will request the Chief Minister to take the initiative and ask the Center to deploy CRPF here and the central force should stay here until the situation becomes normal… Our demand is that peace should be established, the state government should take action for this…,” Majumdar told ANI.
The violence in Murshidabad was sparked by protests against the Waqf Amendment Act, which has been a contentious issue in the region. The protests turned violent, resulting in the deaths of three people, injuries to several others, and widespread property damage.
The BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of supporting the protests and criticized TMC MP Bapi Halder for making threatening remarks against those protesting Waqf properties. Majumdar condemned Halder’s comments, saying they incited violence and questioned the state police’s inaction against the MP.
Earlier today, West Bengal Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Monday demanded that elections be held under President’s Rule in areas where Hindus are in the minority, citing concerns over voting rights after the Murshidabad violence.
He also called for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the violence, labeling it as “anti-national activities.” Adhikari has petitioned the Calcutta High Court, seeking the deployment of central forces in Murshidabad due to escalating violence. The violence erupted over protests against the Waqf Amendment Act, resulting in three deaths and multiple injuries.
Speaking to ANI, he said, “I have this in my petition that after such explosions and firing incidents, the NIA should investigate (in Murshidabad) as these are anti-national activities… Wherever Hindus are in the minority, they don’t let Hindus vote, and hence, the Elections must be held under president rule for the sake of democracy…”
On Saturday, a special bench of the Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of central forces “immediately” in Murshidabad in the wake of widespread violence in the district during the protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act that resulted in three deaths so far. (With inputs from ANI)
