West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said that the recent violence in Murshidabad was “planned in advance” and blamed the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Central government.
“We are getting information that some BSF officers gave money—around four to five thousand rupees—to a few people, including minor boys, to create trouble. We will find out who the real culprits are,” Banerjee said.
She also responded to reports claiming Bangladesh may have been involved in the incident. “If Bangladesh is involved, then it’s the Centre’s responsibility. The BSF guards the border, not the state government,” she added.
Banerjee accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of misusing central agencies. “The Home Minister is controlling all central agencies. What will you do when the government changes next year and Narendra Modi is no longer Prime Minister? You will crawl,” she said.
Addressing PM Modi directly, she added, “I request Prime Minister Modi not to allow dangerous laws to pass and to control his Home Minister. He can’t break India or change India.”
Mamata Banerjee was speaking at a gathering in Kolkata with Imams, moajjems, Brahmin representatives, and Sikh community members. She announced financial help for those affected by the violence.
“The state government will give ₹10 lakh to each family who lost a loved one. People whose houses were damaged will get a new home under the Banglar Bari scheme. For shop owners who suffered losses, our Chief Secretary will assess the damage and provide compensation,” she said.
She also questioned the recent changes to the Waqf law. “Why was the Centre in such a hurry to change the Waqf Act? Didn’t they consider the situation in Bangladesh? Is the plan to create riots using certain agencies?” Banerjee asked.
She criticised the rising cost of living and joblessness. “How many young people have got jobs? Prices of medicines, petrol, and diesel are going up. But some media houses only target Bengal. If you have something to say, say it to my face, not behind my back,” she said.
Banerjee also blamed the Congress for the violence. “The area where the violence happened falls under Malda, not Murshidabad. Malda is a Congress seat. Where were their leaders? If our leaders were involved, would three of our MLAs’ houses have been attacked?” she asked.
