'They want to foment riots': Mamata Banerjee accuses BJP, RSS of instigating violence in Bengal

Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday mounted a scathing offensive on RSS and BJP, accusing them of spreading lies regarding recent violence and vandalism in the state.

“BJP and its allies have suddenly become very aggressive in West Bengal. These allies include RSS. I have not taken the RSS’s name earlier, but I am being forced now to identify them. Together, they all have initiated a vicious false campaign in the State. These forces are using the backdrop of an unfortunate incident that happened on provocation. They are using the backdrop to play divisive politics. They are planning to play the divide and rule game. This is sinister,” wrote the Trinamool Congress chief in an appeal to "friends (people)". She made the appeal on the letterhead of the chief minister.

The TMC chief's attack came hours after Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose slammed the Mamata Banerjee-led government over its "handling" of violence and called the situation on the ground "bizarre and barbaric". Bengal Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, too, accused the TMC government of doing nothing to contain violence. "I will look into your requests. There are three to four suggestions. They have asked for BSF postings in the locality. I will take up the matter with the appropriate authorities. Some proactive action will definitely be taken. I have also shared with them the 'Peace Room' number (Raj Bhavan helpline)," CV Ananda Bose told reporters after visiting their residence.

At least three people, including the father and son, died and over 274 have been arrested in connection with violence over the anti-Waqf (Amendment) Act protests that engulfed these Muslim-majority areas from April 8-12.

Appealing for restoration of peace, Banerjee wrote: "Please remain calm. We condemn communal riots and must curb them. The criminals behind the riots are being strongly dealt with. But, simultaneously, we must avoid mutual mistrust and distrust. The majority and the minority communities must work together and take care of each other,” she added, amid rising pressure on her dispensation for the perceived failure to maintain law and order.

“Those who create riots always come from outside and then go away. We from inside have to now fight against their bad deeds. We shall together survive and win. Do not trust some outsiders who come, create communal tensions and generate riots for their narrow political gain,” she wrote.