Subhechcha Ganguly 
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of remaining silent on the ongoing violence in the state and calling rioters “messengers of peace.” His remarks come in the wake of escalating unrest in Murshidabad district following protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
“Bengal is burning. The chief minister of the state is silent. She calls rioters ‘messengers of peace’. But those who understand only force won’t listen to words,” Adityanath said, as quoted by ANI. He also alleged that, under the guise of secularism, the West Bengal government had allowed rioters free rein to create chaos.
The BJP leader further claimed that such violence was common before his party came to power in Uttar Pradesh. “Riots used to take place every two to three days. We changed that with strong governance,” he said.
Criticizing opposition parties, Adityanath lashed out at the Congress and the Samajwadi Party for their silence on the Murshidabad clashes. “The Congress is silent on the riots in Murshidabad. The Samajwadi Party is also quiet. I thank the judiciary for deploying central forces to ensure the safety of the minority Hindus in the area,” he added.
At least three people were killed last week when violence erupted in Murshidabad following intensified protests against the Waqf Act. Several residents were forced to flee their homes, crossing the river into the neighboring Malda district in search of safety. Disturbing visuals from the area showed houses, shops, and other properties being torched by violent mobs.
Clashes were also reported in South 24 Parganas’ Bhangar area on Monday during a rally opposing the Waqf law. In response, the Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of central forces, and West Bengal police have so far arrested 150 individuals in connection with the riots.
Despite the measures, tensions remain high across the affected regions, with opposition parties and civil society demanding accountability and immediate restoration of peace.
