Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Saturday strongly criticized the state government for suspending internet services in parts of Birbhum district, calling it a sign of deteriorating law and order. He claimed the move highlighted the administration’s inability to control the situation.
Adhikari expressed his concerns on social media platform X, asserting that the internet shutdown was a clear indication of the state’s failure to maintain law and order. He further alleged that skirmishes were not limited to Birbhum but had also occurred in Tamluk, Nandakumar, and other areas across the state.
“This restriction on Internet services is not only evidence of the deterioration of law and order in the state but also an admission of the administration’s incapacity to handle the situation,” he posted.
The BJP leader also accused the West Bengal government of attempting to conceal instances of communal tensions, calling for intervention from the Home Ministry, Bengal Governor, and the Chief Secretary. “I urge @HMOIndia and @BengalGovernor to seek a report from the Chief Secretary regarding the worsening law and order situation in the state,” he added.
The state government had imposed the internet and voice-over-internet telephony shutdown in at least five Gram Panchayat areas in Sainthia town of Birbhum on Friday to curb the spread of rumours and unlawful activities. The suspension is in effect from March 14 to March 17. The government cited concerns over the potential spread of misinformation that could lead to further unrest.
