Kolkata, Apr 19 (UNI) Amid West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose’s visit to violence-hit Murshidabad and his criticism of the situation, state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday night attacked the BJP and the RSS, who she said have together “initiated a vicious false campaign” in her state.
She alleged that the BJP and its allies are “using the backdrop of an unfortunate incident that happened on provocation. They are using the backdrop to play divisive politics,”
Appealing to the people of the state to remain calm, the Trinamool Chief Minister accused the BJP and its allies of playing a "sinister" divide and rule game in the state.
“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 said.
"They want to incite riots, and riots can affect everyone. We love all. We want to stay together. We condemn riots. We are against riots. They want to divide us for some narrow electoral politics. For maintaining law and order and for saving human lives and dignity, we have taken strong actions. Two police officers-in-charge have been removed. Police is investigating. Further actions are being taken,” the Chief Minister said.
She appealed to the people to stay calm and stay united, adding “Do not be diverted by their false communal rhetoric. Let us remain together and combat their bad propaganda. Let us fight their hooliganism and falsehood. Let us remain united as Indians.”
The CM’s appeal comes as the West Bengal Governor ignored Banerjee’s appeal against visiting Murshidabad. The Governor voiced unhappiness over the law and order situation in the state.
"A particular community in society has been targeted here. One group attacking while another is being victimised — this can never be acceptable in a democratic system."
"The unrest that has occurred here is something no sane person can accept. I have spoken to the
people. I have spoken to children — there is an atmosphere of fear prevailing in the area. People cannot live under such fear," he said.
Earlier in the day, the ruling Trinamool Congress launched a sharp attack on the National Commission for Women (NCW) over its visit to Murshidabad, alleging that the move is part of a BJP-led ploy to deploy central teams to the state for political mileage ahead of the coming elections.
A six-member team of the National Commission for Women (NCM) led by chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar visited the troubled areas of Dhuliyan and Jafrabad on Saturday morning where the women members of the victim families demanded a permanent BSF camp and NIA investigation.
Speaking to the media after the visit, Rahatkar said, “Union home minister Amit Shah is keeping a close watch on the development. We will prepare a full-fledged report where we will give all our recommendations. The condition of the people is very serious. We will do everything to restore peace in the area.”
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