Sat Apr 19 21:06:52 UTC 2025: ## West Bengal CM Accuses BJP of Inciting Violence, Urges Peace

**Kolkata, April 20, 2025** – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP and RSS of orchestrating a false campaign to incite communal violence in the state, following recent unrest in Murshidabad. In an open letter released Saturday, Ms. Banerjee stated that these groups are exploiting an incident related to protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act to sow discord and employ a “divide and rule” strategy.

Three deaths and significant property damage resulted from the Murshidabad protests last week. While asserting that those responsible for the violence are being prosecuted – including the removal of two police officers – Ms. Banerjee stressed the importance of maintaining peace and unity between the majority and minority communities. She emphasized that riots are engineered by criminals, not by any particular religious group.

The Chief Minister alleged that the BJP’s actions are a distraction from pressing issues like rising prices. She contrasted the West Bengal government’s response to the unrest with that of BJP-ruled states, highlighting the alleged suppression of protests in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Ms. Banerjee further claimed that while BJP-led states utilize bulldozers to quell dissent, West Bengal offers support to those affected.

Ms. Banerjee urged citizens to remain calm and not fall prey to the BJP’s alleged communal rhetoric, emphasizing the need for unity and mutual trust. She reiterated the state government’s condemnation of the violence and its commitment to maintaining law and order.

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