Murshidabad riots: Guv files report to MHA, says 'radicalisation' posing challenge to Bengal

TMC hits back, saying it was a report of Bose's `political assignment

PTI, KOLKATA, MAY 4, 2025 : West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose has submitted a report on the recent riots in Murshidabad district to the Ministry of Home Affairs, stating that the "twin spectre of radicalisation and militancy" poses a serious challenge to the state. In the report, he suggested a few measures, including setting up an inquiry commission and outposts of central forces or the BSF in districts bordering Bangladesh, besides writing, "Needless to add, the provisions under Article 356 of the Constitution also remain." The imposition of Article 356 refers to President's rule in a state.

Asked about this, an official told PTI: "The governor has not proposed implementation of Article 356. He meant that the provisions of Article 356 are open to the Centre if the situation in the state further deteriorates."

The TMC described the report as politically motivated, while the BJP hailed it. Apprehending a "spillover" of the Murshidabad violence to other districts, Bose said the Centre might consider "constitutional options to put a check on the current situation, besides generating confidence of people in the rule of law." He also claimed that the riots appeared “premeditated” and that the state government was “aware of the imminent build-up of a threat to law and order.”

"The twin spectre of radicalisation and militancy poses a serious challenge for West Bengal, especially in two of the several districts sharing an international border with Bangladesh, viz., Murshidabad and Malda. In both these districts, there is an adverse demographic composition with Hindus being minorities. Another district, viz., Uttar Dinajpur, has a plurality," Bose mentioned in his report.

The governor suggested several measures in the aftermath of Murshidabad violence that left three people dead. The riot occurred amid anti-Waqf Act protests. It also said about appointing a commission of inquiry to look into the "reported acts of omission and commission and to suggest measures to prevent such incidents in the future," and, needless to add, the provisions under Article 356 of the Constitution also remain.

Of late, there are indications of radicalisation and polarisation, the report said. "The divisions are so deep that even in the face of escalation of violence, the chief minister’s repeated undertaking that she would protect minority interests, and that the Act would not be implemented in the state, have done little to assuage the Muslim community or stem the tide. It is imperative that the rule of law must be firmly established, and the police must prevent violence," Bose wrote in the report.