West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday addressed an Eid gathering in Kolkata, where she reaffirmed her government’s commitment to preventing communal violence. In the wake of recent clashes in Mothabari, Malda, Banerjee took a strong stance against the opposition, accusing them of fueling unrest for political gains.
She alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] were working together to create chaos in the state. “Aaj Lal aur Gerua ek ho gaya” (Today, Red and Saffron have become one), she remarked, in a veiled attack on the two parties.
Banerjee stressed that her government would not allow riots to take place, emphasizing the need for unity and religious harmony. “We are ready to sacrifice our lives for all religions. The duty of the majority is to protect the minority, and the duty of the minority is to stand with the majority. We have only one voice, which is to stop the riots,” she said.
Her comments followed the violence that erupted in Mothabari on March 27, leading to 61 arrests. Internet services were suspended in three areas to contain the situation. Additional Director General (ADG) of Law and Order, Jawed Shamim, assured that the situation was now under control. “So far, 19 cases have been registered, and 61 people have been arrested. There have been no fresh incidents today,” Shamim told ANI.
Meanwhile, the BJP staged a protest on Friday, condemning the violence in Malda and blaming the state government for failing to maintain law and order.
Banerjee, however, maintained that common people do not incite violence—political parties do. She reiterated her stand on secularism, extending greetings for Navratri as well. “We do not want anyone to create chaos. This is a matter of shame,” she said.
The Chief Minister’s remarks highlight the escalating political tensions in West Bengal as the state grapples with recent communal clashes.
