NEW DELHI: A war of words after Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath targeted West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee over the violence in Murshidabad that erupted during the anti-Waqf protests.
Addressing a public gather in Hardoi on Tuesday, the UP CM alleged that “Bengal is burning” and accused Mamata Banerjee of calling rioters “messengers of peace”. He added, “Such anarchy must be controlled… The only treatment for these rioters is stick, without which they can’t be reined in.”
“Bengal is burning. The Chief Minister of the state is silent. She calls rioters ‘messengers of peace’. But those who understand only force won’t listen to words. In the name of secularism, they have given complete freedom to rioters to create unrest. The entire Murshidabad has been on fire for the last week, yet the government remains silent. Such anarchy must be brought under control,” CM Yogi had said.
Adityanath was referring to the recent violent protests in Murshidabad against the Waqf Amendment Act, which resulted in three deaths and several injuries. He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the passage of the Act, claiming it would prevent illegal occupation of public land and pave the way for hospitals and universities.
“We are grateful to PM Modi and Amit Shah, who, by passing the Waqf Amendment Act, have put an end to the looting of poor people’s land. Now, the recovered land will be used to build hospitals, houses for the poor, schools, and universities. The looting of land has come to an end, and that’s why these people are upset. They are trying to mislead the public,” the UP CM said.
Also read: Yogi Adityanath lambasts Mamata Banerjee’s ‘silence’ over Murshidabad violence
Following this, TMC MP Saket Gokhale launched a pointed attack on Adityanath, accusing him of overlooking the “unrest” under his own administration. “Please speak about the armed mob of ‘shantidoots’ in Agra supported by your party who wanted to kill a sitting MP,” Gokhale posted on X.
Gokhale was referring to the recent incident in Agra, where a violent mob allegedly affiliated with the Karni Sena vandalised the home of Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Lal Suman over his remarks on Rajput ruler Rana Sanga. Two FIRs have been registered under serious charges including attempted murder and rioting.
Gokhale added, “Situation is such after Yogi became CM that every other state in India says ‘ok at least things aren’t as bad here as UP’. Sit down & focus on your own failed govt.”
Violence erupted in West Bengal’s Murshidabad following a protest over the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The protests lead to 3 deaths and so far over 200 arrested.
