‘Not an act of protest, rather premeditated act of violence’: Suvendu Adhikari on Murshidabad violence

MURSHIDABAD (West Bengal): Opposition leader in the West Bengal Assembly and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday strongly condemned the recent violence in Murshidabad district over the Waqf Act, particularly the vandalism at the Jalangi BDO Office.

He attributed the violence to “radical elements” opposing the Constitution and law of the land, alleging that these groups are spreading chaos to assert dominance and sow fear among other communities. Taking to social media X, Adhikari said that the protest was a ‘premeditated act of violence’ and an ‘assault on democracy and governance’ by the Jihadist forces.

“I am deeply outraged and vehemently condemn the atrocious incident of vandalism at the Jalangi BDO Office in Murshidabad District, carried out by radical elements masquerading as protestors against the Anti-Waqf Law. Let it be known that this was not an act of protest, rather a premeditated act of violence, an assault on Democracy and Governance by Jihadist forces who seek to spread chaos in order to assert their dominance and sow fear amongst other Communities of our Society,” he added.

#WATCH | On Murshidabad violence, West Bengal LoP and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari says, “86 shops of Hindus and houses were destroyed and looted, the 24 people who have been arrested are not those involved in the incident… I tried to go there but was not permitted. They didn’t… pic.twitter.com/jVIetc1qRy

— ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2025

Adhikari highlighted the destruction of public property and compromised public safety due to unchecked mob actions. “Public property was destroyed, Government Officials felt threatened, and an atmosphere of fear and intimidation was created, all under the false guise of dissent,” the post read.

Further taking a jibe at the CM Mamata Banerjee, the BJP leader criticized the West Bengal Government for their silence and inaction, questioning whether vote-bank politics is prioritized over the safety of West Bengal’s people and institutions.

“The silence of the Mamata Banerjee Government is deafening. Why is she allowing, instigating and tolerating such lawlessness? Why isn’t there any clear statement issued by the State Government condemning this act of terror? Is vote-bank politics more important than the safety of West Bengal’s People and Institutions?” added Adhikari.

He demanded that the culprits be identified, arrested, and prosecuted under strict laws to restore order. “I demand that the culprits must be identified, arrested and prosecuted under the strictest sections of law. This would be the primary step to restore order. If the State Govt is incapable of doing it, then kindly seek the assistance of the Central Government”, the post further read.

The violence in the Murshidabad District erupted amid protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, resulting in damage to public property. The situation in areas like Jangipur is reportedly under control, but tensions remain high. Meanwhile, security was tightened, and several vehicles were torched in the ongoing protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act in Murshidabad, as per police officials.

A guard who was on duty said that the crowd had started to gather after 1 pm and started stone pelting, further stating that the movements of the train had to be stopped due to the vandalism. “The crowd started to gather after 1 pm  yesterday to protest against the Waqf Amendment Act. The mob started stone-pelting. The trains’ movements were stopped because of vandalism,” the guard said.

He further stated that movement was restored after the Railway Protection Personnal (RPF) and Border Security Forces (BSF) came. “Many things were destroyed, and the signal couldn’t be passed. Late in the night, RPF and BSF personnel came, and then the movement of trains was restored. Many of the trains have been diverted, and many are running late…” he further added.

Suvendu Adhikari had on Friday raised concerns over what he described as “large-scale violence, anarchy, and lawlessness” in the state, attributing it to protests by a group he called “radicals” opposing the Constitution and law of the land. In a post on X, Adhikari alleged that public and private properties are being vandalized, and public safety is compromised due to unchecked mob actions.

West Bengal is witnessing large scale violence, anarchy and lawlessness in the name of protests, by a certain group of radicals. These people who have clearly stated that they are against the Constitution of India and would oppose the law of the land, have taken over the streets.… pic.twitter.com/1Dq51QYzu4

— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) April 11, 2025

“West Bengal is witnessing large-scale violence, anarchy and lawlessness in the name of protests by a certain group of radicals. These people who have clearly stated that they are against the Constitution of India and would oppose the law of the land have taken over the streets. Public and private properties are being vandalised at will. Public safety has been compromised as general people are at the mercy of these ruthless mob of radicals,” he said.

Adhikari noted that the state administration has sought BSF deployment in Murshidabad to control the situation. He urged West Bengal’s Chief Secretary and Home Department Secretary to seek assistance from the Union Home Ministry. He further suggested the imposition of Article 355 in parts of Murshidabad, South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Malda, and Birbhum districts, stating that the situation is “getting out of hand.”

“The Administration have reluctantly sought for the deployment of BSF Personnel in the Murshidabad District to control the mayhem. What’s stopping them from seeking deployment of the Central Forces elsewhere? I would suggest the Hon’ble Chief Secretary (@chief_west) and Hon’ble Secretary of the Home Department (@HomeBengal) of West Bengal to set their ego aside and kindly approach the @HMOIndia and ask for the Central Government’s assistance in controlling the situation, which is getting out of hand. Imposition of Article 355 in large stretches of areas under several Police Stations of Murshidabad, South & North 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Malda, Birbhum districts has become a necessity,” he added in X post.

On Friday, security was heightened in the Jangipur sub-division of West Bengal’s Murshidabad district after demonstrations opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Act turned violent, resulting in damage to public property. According to a police official, the situation in the Suti and Samserganj areas of Jangipur is now under control.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was tabled in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on April 2 and 3, respectively. It was passed in both Houses and later received the President’s assent, after which it became a law. On April 5, President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. (ANI)