Next year's Bengal Assembly polls must be held under President's rule: Suvendu Adhikari

PTI, KOLKATA, APRIL 14, 2025 :  Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Monday demanded that the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections be conducted under President's rule, alleging a complete breakdown of law and order following the recent violence in Murshidabad district. Adhikari said the ongoing unrest in parts of Murshidabad, including Suti, Dhulian, Jangipur, and Shamsherganj, highlighted the state government's inability to protect citizens and maintain peace. He claimed the ruling dispensation remained a "mute spectator" as mobs went on a rampage. "Wherever old baby," he said.

The violence in Muslim-dominated Murshidabad's Dhulian area, which erupted on Friday during protests over the amended Wakf law, claimed three lives and left several injured. Majumdar alleged that the attacks were carried out by "fundamentalist forces" posing as protestors. "Initially, 200-250 families had taken shelter here. Now, due to police pressure to shut down the camp and cover up Mamata Banerjee's failure, only 70-75 families remain. They are still living in fear," Majumdar claimed.

A senior police officer refuted the allegations, saying they cannot force anyone to return. "We have only assured and given confidence that we will ensure their safety and security, which we will do," he added. The local administration, led by a Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) and a Block Development Officer (BDO), has been visiting the area and overseeing relief measures. According to local panchayat head Sulekha Chowdhury, arrangements have been made at the camp for cooked food, drinking water, sanitation, and regular visits by doctors. Ten BSF personnel have been deployed to provide security. However, mobile internet services remain suspended in the area.

Accusing the state government of bias, Majumdar said, "The police restrained central forces from acting independently." He added that the BJP would move court seeking directions to allow central forces to function autonomously in the affected areas. Warning of broader implications, he said, "The situation in Murshidabad could be a precursor to similar unrest elsewhere in the state. Minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury has already issued a warning. Mamata Banerjee has turned Bengal into another Bangladesh."

Majumdar also questioned whether the voices of the displaced would be heard during Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's scheduled meeting with Muslim religious leaders in Kolkata on April 16. Later in the day, Majumdar inaugurated a special control room at the Malda BJP district headquarters to coordinate relief efforts and gather information from those affected. He assured the families that the BJP stood with them and would extend all possible support. He also has plans to visit his ancestral home in the district later in the day. Posting photos from his visit on X, Majumdar wrote, "In Murshidabad, Hindus have been rendered homeless due to brutal attacks by Trinamool-backed jihadi forces. Forced to flee their own homes, many have taken shelter in Malda's Paralalpur High School grounds. Today, I met these displaced Hindu families. We stand firmly with them in this time of crisis. We will never tolerate jihadi brutality against the innocent Bengali Hindus of West Bengal."

The BJP, he added, will soon launch statewide protests and keep the Union Home Ministry updated on the ground situation. (PTI)

Bengal BJP chief visits Malda relief camp, blames TMC govt for Murshidabad violence.

"Hindus are in the minority, they are stopped from voting. Police act like cadres of the ruling party. For free and fair elections, the Assembly polls must be held under President's rule," Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, told reporters here. Alleging that "jihadist elements" were behind the recent violence, Adhikari said, "These groups are allowed to run amok. We are ready to take them on, but there must be a level-playing field. The Election Commission must consider recommending President's rule in the state before the elections."

Hundreds of people, affected by the violence, have reportedly crossed the Bhagirathi River and took refuge in neighboring Malda district, officials said. The local administration has provided shelter and food to the displaced families, housed them in schools, and set up volunteer teams to assist those arriving by boats. The unrest began with violent protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which quickly escalated into clashes, leaving at least three people dead and several injured. Visuals from the affected areas showed charred remains of shops, homes, and hotels.

Reacting to BJP's allegations, senior TMC leader and state minister Firhad Hakim said, "People are relocating within Bengal, not fleeing the state. The administration is taking all possible steps to restore normalcy. The violence is unfortunate and police are working to identify those responsible."

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday announced that her government would not implement the amended Waqf Act in the state. Meanwhile, acting on a petition filed by Adhikari, the Calcutta High Court on Saturday directed the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the violence-hit areas to ensure law and order. The Assembly elections are scheduled in April-May next year.