West Bengal Witnesses Escalating Tensions as Protests Turn Deadly, Political Parties Clash Over Responsibility
A violent wave has swept through West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, sparked by protests against the Waqf Amendment Act, with fatalities and heavy arrests marking the escalating unrest. As the situation unfolds, political leaders are offering their own narratives, intensifying the conflict even further.
On April 13, 2025, seventeen companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) were deployed to the region after protests turned deadly the day before. The violence claimed the lives of three individuals, leaving many others wounded. The unrest has become a flashpoint for political parties, with accusations of radicalism, misinformation, and even the involvement of the central government being thrown around.
Violence Erupts in Murshidabad Over Waqf Amendment Act
The unrest in Murshidabad began on April 11, when violent protests erupted against the Waqf Amendment Act, a law that has stirred significant controversy. Vehicles were torched, public spaces were destroyed, and confrontations with the police were frequent. The violence reached its peak on April 12, with multiple injuries reported, including a bullet injury that led to hospitalization.
The local police immediately intervened, but the situation spiraled out of control. According to local officials, over 150 arrests were made, and the authorities worked overnight to restore some semblance of peace. However, the violence continues to simmer under the surface, with fears that it could spill over into nearby areas.
The Director-General of Police, Rajeev Kumar, confirmed that the situation in Murshidabad was “under control.” In a statement to the press, Kumar mentioned that 23 high-ranking officers, including top brass from the Border Security Force, were on the ground to prevent further escalation. The deployment of additional forces is a clear sign that the authorities are bracing for more unrest in the coming days.
Political Fallout: BJP Protests, Congress Calls for All-Party Meeting
Political reactions to the Murshidabad violence have been swift and divisive. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), ever-critical of the West Bengal state government, has taken to the streets in Kolkata, demanding a stronger response to the violence. Party president Sukanta Majumdar accused radical outfits like the Population Front of India (PFI) and the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) of instigating the violence. He went further, suggesting that the unrest was part of a larger conspiracy to destabilize the region.
In the wake of the violence, BJP MP Jyotirmoy Singh Mahato has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the central government to declare Murshidabad and other bordering districts as ‘Disturbed Areas’ under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). This move, which grants sweeping powers to the military, has sparked considerable debate in the state.
On the other side of the political spectrum, Congress has urged a more diplomatic approach. Isha Khan Chowdhury, Congress MP from Malda Dakshin, where Murshidabad falls, called for an all-party meeting to address the issue. He expressed concern over the growing divide and the potential for communal tensions to escalate further. Fellow Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for a unified response rather than a politically charged one.
Claims of Forced Displacement and Misinformation
Amidst the political chaos, one of the most disturbing claims comes from the BJP, which alleges that hundreds of Hindus from the village of Dhulian in Murshidabad have been forced to flee their homes due to the violence. According to BJP leaders, these displaced individuals are now seeking shelter across the river in Baishnabnagar, a village in neighboring Malda district.
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari posted on social media, urging authorities to ensure the safe return of these displaced people. He called on both the central paramilitary forces and the state police to ensure that their lives and properties are protected.
However, the Trinamool Congress, the ruling party in West Bengal, has been quick to dismiss these claims. Kunal Ghosh, a senior leader of the party, accused the BJP of spreading misinformation and using fake photographs to stoke communal tensions. Ghosh pointed out that images from past incidents in other parts of India were being circulated by BJP leaders on social media, further fueling the flames of unrest.
The Trinamool Congress has also alleged that the BJP’s portrayal of the violence is an attempt to discredit the state government and create political instability ahead of the upcoming state elections. Tensions between the BJP and Trinamool Congress have reached a boiling point, and the violence in Murshidabad is only intensifying the already volatile political climate.
The Role of the Central Government and Future Prospects
The situation in Murshidabad has raised questions about the role of the central government. While the state government has been proactive in deploying forces, there is mounting pressure from opposition parties, particularly the BJP, to take a more assertive stance. The request to invoke AFSPA in the region signals the severity of the situation, though it remains to be seen whether the Union government will act on these demands.
As of now, the situation remains tense, with over 150 people arrested and several injured. The violence has left scars on Murshidabad, and the community remains on edge. While the police continue their efforts to restore order, the political fallout will likely linger for weeks, if not months.
What happens next in Murshidabad will depend on multiple factors, including the effectiveness of law enforcement, the political will of the parties involved, and the actions of the central government. For now, the district remains under the watchful eyes of security forces, and the people of Bengal wait to see if the violence can be quelled before it spreads further.
