West Bengal’s Leader of the Opposition and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, declaring that the state would “keep burning” under her leadership amid the recent wave of communal unrest.
Responding to reports that West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has submitted a report to the Ministry of Home Affairs recommending President’s Rule if the situation further deteriorates, Adhikari said, “I welcome the report submitted by the Governor. But the people of Bengal do not want reports and speeches, they want results. The way atrocities are being committed—especially against Hindus—is extremely worrying. As long as Mamata Banerjee remains in power, Bengal will continue to suffer turmoil and unrest.”
The Governor’s report reportedly outlines the state’s failure to control the violence in Murshidabad and surrounding districts, and suggests that the Centre may invoke Article 356 of the Constitution—President’s Rule—if law and order continue to collapse.
Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, however, criticized the idea of imposing President’s Rule, warning against its arbitrary implementation. “Implementing Article 356 is not simple. There is a Constitution and judiciary in place. It can’t be done based merely on the Governor’s report. Yes, law and order have worsened, and the state government is to blame, but the solution cannot come through backdoor tactics,” he told ANI.
The controversy arises in the wake of violent clashes that erupted in Murshidabad on April 11 during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The violence led to two deaths, numerous injuries, and widespread property damage. Thousands were displaced as panic spread across communities.
The unrest soon spilled over into other districts, including Malda, Hooghly, and South 24 Parganas, where incidents of arson, stone-pelting, and road blockades were reported. The political blame game has since intensified, with opposition leaders demanding action and the ruling Trinamool Congress accusing its critics of politicizing the tragedy.