In the wake of violent protests that gripped West Bengal’s Murshidabad following the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill, Organiser’s Senior Assistant Editor Nishant Kumar Azad spoke with BJP’s West Bengal President and Member of Parliament, Dr Sukanta Majumdar. In this conversation, Majumdar talked about the ground realities in Murshidabad, the targeted attacks on Hindus, the role of the State administration, the demand for BSF deployment and President’s rule, the deep-rooted politics of appeasement in Bengal and much more. Excerpts:
You visited the violence affected regions to meet the victims. How would you describe the situation on ground?
The current situation is still tense and has not returned to normalcy. Although on the surface it might appear that things have stabilised, when you speak to the locals, a different picture emerges. They are saying that the local Muslims, specifically the rioters, are threatening them with chilling warnings. They are being told, “Let your father go”, where “father” refers to the BSF and central forces, and “then we will slaughter you.” So, this kind of hate speech and threats are continuously coming from the other side.
The villagers are also speaking about their forceful eviction by ‘Mamata’s police’ from the refugee camp in Malda’s Parlalpur High School.
I met the victims when I visited the violence-affected areas. The situation is such that they were compelled to vacate the refugee camp and return to their homes by Mamata Government to show normalcy. But those houses are completely uninhabitable. There is absolutely nothing left, nothing. Everything has been burned to the ground. Inside these torched homes, not a single utensil, not a single piece of furniture has survived. So tell me, how can anyone live in such conditions?
This entire episode of violence unfolded in the name of Waqf, yet the ones who were targeted were Hindus. When Hindus have no connection with Waqf Act implementation, why was this violence directed against them?
You cannot separate this event from a series of similar ones that have been occurring over many years across various parts of West Bengal. A few years ago, similar riots took place in Dhaniakhali as well. Waqf is just an alibi. In almost all the bordering districts of West Bengal, the Muslim population is relatively high in percentage, and in these areas, such kinds of attacks have repeatedly been carried out against Hindus. It has become a recurring phenomenon. It’s part of a long-term plan that appears to have been underway for years. As a result, Hindus have been forced to flee, particularly from districts like Murshidabad. If you closely examine the demographic changes in Murshidabad from 1947, especially from the 1980s until now, you will see how Hindus have gradually migrated out of Murshidabad into other parts of the State. Some have even moved to other parts of the country altogether. I believe Mamata Banerjee herself wants the Hindus to flee from Murshidabad.
You are accusing Mamata Banerjee of wanting Hindus to flee from Murshidabad. Is it to do with the policy of appeasement?
Bengal has already suffered to some extent due to this appeasement politics. The same kind of appeasement politics existed during the Left regime, though it wasn’t as visible on the surface. After the rise of the current Government, whose outlook is far from nationalist, the situation has turned increasingly anti-Hindu. For several years now, Hindus have been systematically demoralised due to such attacks and targeted incidents. They have started to accept this as their fate now.
It is because appeasement politics is deeply entrenched in this State. Mamata Banerjee is merely functioning as a puppet in the hands of Islamist ideologues. The maulanas, the maulvis, and other religious leaders are the ones essentially dictating State policy. They are running the show. Mamata is simply implementing whatever they decide.
However, a shift is beginning. Hindus are coming together, they are uniting, consolidating. This consolidation is a positive sign for the future of West Bengal. But it needs to happen more swiftly. If it doesn’t happen, then even the BJP may not be able to safeguard the future of the State.
As you said, there have been a series of violent incidents in Bengal. How do you view this steadily deteriorating situation?
There is a complete breakdown of law and order in West Bengal. The administration seems to be under the control of hooligans, who are doing exactly as they please, without any fear, without any accountability. This is the grim reality of the State. In certain areas like Murshidabad and other bordering districts, the situation resembles that of Kashmir. I would say it’s even more serious, perhaps graver than what we’ve seen in Kashmir.
You talked about Kashmir. Islamists have killed Hindu tourists in Pahalgam, clearly targeted for their identity. How do you view these deliberate attacks on Hindus across different parts of the country?
It’s very concerning. I think certain forces are deliberately trying to recreate a situation similar to what we saw in 1946, just before Independence. Their larger agenda is to create unrest and tension that could eventually lead to another Partition of this country.
However, I strongly believe that if the Central Government, which is currently in power, and the people of this country come together and seriously reflect on this issue.
I was on the ground in Murshidabad for two days and spoke to many people. A common demand among them was the setting up of a BSF camp in the area.
As per protocol, the establishment of a new BSF camp requires consultation with the State Government. That adds another layer of complexity. Whether Mamata Banerjee’s administration agrees or not becomes a deciding factor. Its permission is essential, and that could very well be a constraint. Still, we will raise the issue with the Home Minister Amit Shah, and only then can the future course of action be determined.
The demand for the imposition of the President’s rule has been raised multiple times. How do you view this demand?
There is indeed a strong demand coming from the people, especially from those who have suffered due to the violence and atrocities. The BJP has always had a very strict position on Article 356. We believe that a democratically elected Government should not be dismissed lightly. That’s the ideological foundation of the BJP. But at the same time, we must acknowledge that the lives of citizens are of utmost importance. If the people of Bengal feel that it is necessary, then the Central Government will certainly have to consider taking appropriate action soon.
The situation of Hindus in Bengal is deteriorating with each passing day. With State elections scheduled for next year, what steps is the BJP taking to ensure the safety and security of Hindus?
As a democratic party, we are committed to addressing the situation through democratic means. We are actively taking to the streets in every district to raise our voice for the protection of Hindus. Ensuring the safety of Hindus is not just important for them, but also for the broader social fabric, including the educated sections of the Muslim community, who equally understand the need for communal harmony.
In the coming days, the people of Bengal will make their decision. No matter what challenges come our way, be it lathis or bullets, the BJP is fully prepared to face them. We stand firm in our resolve to ensure justice and security for every Hindu in the State.
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