Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Tarun Chugh launched a sharp attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday, likening her to Muhammad Ali Jinnah amid the ongoing unrest in Murshidabad. He alleged that her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), was following in the footsteps of the Muslim League by promoting divisive politics.
“What Jinnah was doing is being done by Mamata Banerjee today. Her image has been established as a modern Jinnah, and her party is doing the work of the Muslim League. Incidents happening now are reminiscent of the 1940s,” Chugh said while speaking to ANI.
He also condemned Banerjee’s “mysterious silence” following the deaths of three people during violent protests triggered by opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, saying it reflects her government’s continued “compromise on the safety of Hindus.”
The violence in Murshidabad has led to widespread clashes, with protesters pelting stones, setting police vehicles ablaze, and targeting properties. In response, West Bengal Police have arrested 150 people, and security has been ramped up in affected areas like Samserganj and Dhuliyan.
Joining the criticism, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused the TMC government of “state-sponsored, state-protected, and state-encouraged targeted violence” against the Hindu community.
“Hindus are being forced to migrate, temples are being vandalized, and idols are being demolished. Shops and homes of Hindus are being selectively targeted and set on fire. This is happening in the land of Swami Vivekananda, and Mamata Banerjee should be ashamed,” Poonawalla said.
He also cited reports of saffron flags being taken down and increasing threats to Hindu symbols and institutions under the current administration.
The BJP has demanded accountability from the West Bengal government, accusing it of minority appeasement at the cost of law and order. As political tensions escalate, the situation in Murshidabad continues to draw national attention.