Yogi Adityanath Slams Mamata Over Bengal Violence, Calls “Danda” the Cure for Rioters
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has lashed out at the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government over recent violence in Murshidabad, calling for strict action against rioters.
Amid ongoing unrest in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district following protests against the Waqf Amendment Act, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has sharply criticised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of being silent while the state “burns”.
Speaking at a rally in Hardoi, Adityanath said, “Danda is the only treatment for rioters. You can see, Bengal is burning. The Chief Minister is silent. She is calling rioters ‘peace ambassadors’.” He added, “Laton ke bhoot baaton se kahan manne wale hain,” a Hindi idiom meaning some people only respond to force.
He further alleged that the Bengal government’s brand of secularism has emboldened lawlessness. “In the name of secularism, they have given freedom to rioters. Such anarchy must be controlled,” he said.
At least three people were killed, and several homes destroyed in Murshidabad after protests over the Centre’s Waqf law amendments spiralled into violence. The situation prompted the Calcutta High Court to step in, ordering the deployment of central forces to affected areas.
Security personnel have since been patrolling the region to maintain order and assure public safety. While the violence has triggered political uproar, no further incidents have been reported since central intervention.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has appealed to citizens to maintain peace and avoid violence. In a public statement, she clarified that the contentious amendments were introduced by the central government, not her administration.
Banerjee added that while she does not support the Waqf law changes, any form of violence is unacceptable. “We do not endorse these amendments. But that does not mean people should take the law into their own hands,” she said.
The BJP has intensified its attack on the Trinamool Congress government, accusing it of vote bank politics and appeasement. Party leaders allege that the administration’s leniency has emboldened radical groups and triggered forced migration of Hindus from violence-hit areas.
“The government’s inaction is driving people out of their homes. It’s a complete breakdown of law and order,” a Bengal BJP spokesperson told the media.
The Waqf Amendment Act, introduced by the Centre, has been met with protests in various parts of West Bengal. Critics argue that the amendments dilute community rights and centralise control over Waqf properties.
Although the state government has distanced itself from the legislation, the unrest has reignited long-standing political tensions between the Centre and the Mamata Banerjee-led state administration.
With central forces now on the ground, authorities hope to restore order in Murshidabad. Political observers suggest the issue could escalate into a major flashpoint in the run-up to national elections, with both BJP and TMC sharpening their narratives.
