Synopsis
BJP MP Jagdambika Pal claims that the Mamata Banerjee-led government is protecting rioters involved in the Murshidabad unrest over the Waqf Act. He accuses the administration of fostering communal discord and neglecting law and order, prompting Hindu families to flee.Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee accused of sheltering rioters.
- Violence described as "state-sponsored" by BJP MP.
- The Waqf Amendment Bill passed by Parliament is constitutionally binding.
- Pal claims law-and-order has deteriorated in Murshidabad.
- Alleged issuance of ration cards to illegal immigrants criticized.
Lucknow, April 15 (NationPress) Following the violent disturbances in Murshidabad district of West Bengal regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Act, the government headed by Mamata Banerjee is facing severe criticism from the BJP. BJP MP Jagdambika Pal has alleged that the West Bengal administration is actively providing protection to the individuals behind the violence, dubbing these incidents as "state-sponsored."
In an interview with IANS on Tuesday, Pal stated: “The unrest in Murshidabad is a direct result of the Mamata government’s shielding of rioters. Cabinet ministers are making provocative remarks, fostering communal tension. One minister even proclaimed that the Waqf law would not be upheld, while Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee herself has promised not to enforce the act in the state.”
Pal emphasized that the Waqf Amendment Bill had been passed by a substantial majority in Parliament and is constitutionally obligatory for all states. “No state has the power to disregard a law legitimately enacted by Parliament. Such defiance undermines the federal structure and the rule of law,” he asserted.
Drawing a comparison with Mamata Banerjee’s previous opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Pal remarked, “She once stated she wouldn’t permit CAA in Bengal. Yet today, it is in effect. Similarly, her opposition to the Waqf Act is merely political theater.”
The BJP MP claimed that the law-and-order situation in Murshidabad has deteriorated to such an extent that Hindu families have been compelled to flee, with many seeking refuge in the nearby Malda district.
“A father and son were brutally attacked. It is clear that the administration has failed, and the police have become passive observers. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister continues her politics of appeasement,” he noted.
Pal criticized the alleged issuance of ration cards to illegal immigrants, stating, “Mamata Banerjee is openly providing government resources to Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals, converting them into a vote bank. This poses a threat to national security and stirs social unrest.”
Regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Act, Pal defended the legislation, stating it aims to address past wrongs and ensure that underprivileged Muslims receive the benefits that were previously denied to them.
“This amendment is pro-poor and pro-minority. No one should oppose a law that guarantees justice and transparency.”
Commenting on amendments made during the Congress-led UPA government in 2013, Pal criticized the addition of Section 40 to the Waqf Act, which allowed Waqf boards to assert ownership of any land, often without legal scrutiny or recourse. “Congress MPs now claim they will abolish the amendment if they regain power. But these are empty promises—considering they haven’t even reached the 100-seat mark in years,” he stated.
He also targeted Rahul Gandhi, stating, “When the Waqf Bill was passed in Parliament, Rahul Gandhi was conspicuously absent. If he genuinely believed the law was unconstitutional, why didn’t he engage in the discussion?”
Pal questioned the necessity for street-level protests when the issue is already sub judice. “The matter is before the Supreme Court. Resorting to violence only reinforces the suspicion that the unrest in Bengal is being orchestrated by the state government.”
Pal cautioned that the unchecked influx of Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants into West Bengal remains a critical issue.
“Despite numerous advisories from the Centre, Mamata Banerjee continues to shield them and even issues them voter identity cards. This is bound to escalate tensions,” he stated.
He acknowledged that paramilitary forces have been deployed in the area following High Court directives, but large-scale displacement of Hindu families persists, raising doubts about the state’s ability—or willingness—to restore order.
