The situation in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district has escalated sharply due to violent protests over the Waqf Act, prompting the Calcutta High Court on Saturday to order the deployment of central forces to control the unrest. The court’s decision came following a petition by BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, who demanded central intervention in the violence-hit, Muslim-majority district bordering Bangladesh.
What Triggered the Violence?
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Protests erupted on April 8 in Murshidabad and spread to Malda, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly, triggered by opposition to the recently-enacted Waqf Act.
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On Friday, the unrest turned deadly—a father and his son were brutally hacked to death by a violent mob.
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The protestors clashed with police, torched vehicles (including police vans), pelted stones, and blocked roads.
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The protests, originally against the Waqf law, have morphed into a broader law-and-order crisis, with over 110 arrests made so far.
Political Responses
Mamata Banerjee’s Position:
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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tried to defuse the tension by announcing that the Waqf Act will not be implemented in the state.
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She also distanced her government from the law, stating it was a Central government act.
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In a public appeal, she urged people of all religions to remain peaceful, condemning violence in the name of religion or politics.
"Every human life is precious; do not incite riots for the sake of politics," she said in a social media post.
BJP’s Counter:
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Suvendu Adhikari and the BJP have criticized the TMC government, alleging it failed to prevent what they describe as "premeditated jihadist violence."
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Adhikari claimed the unrest was not spontaneous but a deliberate assault on democracy and called for NIA intervention, sending a formal request to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
High Court’s Intervention
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The Calcutta High Court, taking note of the deteriorating law-and-order situation, directed that central paramilitary forces be deployed in Murshidabad, especially in areas like Jangipur, the epicenter of the violence.
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The court also indicated that the state police alone was not sufficient to handle the situation.
Current Situation on Ground
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Authorities say the situation is now under control, with a heavy deployment of security personnel.
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The BSF (Border Security Force) is supporting the West Bengal police in securing sensitive areas.
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However, tensions remain high, and further flare-ups have not been ruled out.
Broader Implications
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This incident has added to the growing tension between the Centre and West Bengal, with governance, law enforcement, and religious sensitivities at the heart of the dispute.
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It may also become a major election issue, especially with the BJP and TMC locked in an intense political rivalry in the state.
