Daijiworld Media Network- Kolkata
Kolkata, Apr 19: BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty has launched a strong attack on the West Bengal government, accusing it of allowing violence against the Hindu community in Murshidabad and alleging that Hindus have been turned into “refugees” in their own state. Chakraborty’s comments come in the wake of deadly clashes in Dhulian, Murshidabad, following protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
Speaking to IANS, Chakraborty said, “Hindus have become refugees in Bengal. Bullying and muscle power are running everywhere here. We don’t want any riots, we don’t want any conflict. We have always demanded fair elections, but they simply don’t allow it.” He expressed concern over what he sees as growing intimidation and violence in the state, suggesting that political forces are behind the unrest.
The BJP leader accused the West Bengal government of using the Waqf Act as a pretext to grab land, allegedly benefiting political leaders rather than the Muslim community it is meant to serve. “The new Waqf Act is meant for our Muslim brothers and sisters, but what’s really happening is that political leaders have grabbed land for their own use,” he said. He further criticized the misuse of funds that could have supported the Muslim community but were instead appropriated by leaders for their own benefit.
Chakraborty highlighted the suffering of the Hindu community in the violence, with families displaced and their homes destroyed. He said, “Hindus have been displaced, their homes destroyed. They never opposed anyone, they didn’t protest, yet their houses were burned and ruined. Now, they’re surviving on khichdi in temporary shelters. They’ve been made homeless. What was their fault?”
On the role of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Chakraborty asserted that if she truly wanted to stop the violence, she could take immediate action but has failed to do so. “If Madam (Mamata Banerjee) wants, she can stop all this in one day. But she hasn’t taken any strict action against even one person yet,” Chakraborty stated. He predicted that Mamata Banerjee’s traditional supporters would begin shifting away from the ruling party due to its failure to address the violence.
The violence in Murshidabad, which erupted during protests against the Waqf Amendment Act, has sparked intense political and communal tensions, with both state and central leaders trading accusations.