Mamata Banerjee blames MHA, BSF, BJP for Murshidabad violence

Kolkata: In a scathing attack on the Union home ministry and BSF, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said that Murshidabad's communal violence was "pre-planned". She urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to rein in Union home minister Amit Shah.

Banerjee alleged BSF manipulated young boys in border areas and offered them ₹5,000-6,000 to throw stones during Murshidabad violence. She also claimed that BSF opened fire. The state government has ordered a probe in both the cases.

"Whom did BSF manipulate? In lieu of ₹5,000-6,000, young boys from Bangladesh entered from borders to pelt stones and create violence in Murshidabad. Why did BSF allow them to enter Bengal," Banerjee asked, highlighting that it's BSF which manages border areas.


Banerjee alleged, "BSF opened fire in Murshidabad; action will be taken accordingly. I will ask the Chief Secretary to initiate a probe. BSF had opened fire in Sitalkuchi earlier, killing four people."

"I have never named him (Amit Shah) earlier. He has done greatest danger to the country. He is making plans. Murshidabad is a pre-planned communal riot. All agencies are in his hands. I will urge PM Modi to control the man," Banerjee said at a meeting of religious leaders here.

"Why are you (Shah) in a hurry? You will never become prime minister. When the PM will not be there, what will you do," she asked, alleging BJP was indulging in polarisation and divisive politics.

Violence erupted in Murshidabad's Suti and Samserganj areas on Friday during protests against the Waqf law, leaving three people dead. Central forces and police jointly brought the situation under control.

Responding to the CM's comments, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari claimed: "The state administration called BSF on April 11 and now they are saying BSF has been instrumental in allowing people into Bengal."