Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says 'will visit troubled areas of Murshidabad in May'

NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief minister on Tuesday said that she will visit the violence-hit district of Murshidabad in the first week of May.

"I will visit troubled areas of Murshidabad in first week of May," she said speaking at a government event.

Violence struck Murshidabad during anti-Waqf (Amendment) Act protests leading to three deaths, with hundreds fleeing their homes. The protest later spread to several other districts, including Malda, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly, with reports of arson, stone-pelting, and road blockades.

Last week, West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose had visited Murshidabad, ignoring Mamata's request not to go.

Bose visited Murshidabad and met with the victim families on Saturday. He said the victims seek a "sense of security" and promised to raise their concerns with both central and state governments.

"They (victims) want to have a sense of security and certainly some other demands or whatever suggestions given by them. All this will be considered... We'll be in touch with them. Certainly, very effective proactive steps will be taken," Bose told reporters.

Opposition slams Mamata over Murshidabad violence

Meanwhile, politics has erupted over the Murshidabad violence, with opposition parties launching scathing attacks on the ruling Trinamool Congress and vowing action if voted to power.

The BJP has ramped up its criticism of Mamata, with Suvendu Adhikari threatening bulldozer justice against those behind the violence. He alleged that Hindus were being driven out of Muslim-majority Murshidabad and called on them to unite. Adding fuel to the fire, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya blamed Banerjee for mishandling the situation and accused her of misleading the public. He claimed that police reports contradicted her assertion that “outsiders” were responsible.

The CPI(M) has demanded a judicial probe, accusing both the BJP and TMC of fuelling “competitive communalism” to distract from pressing issues like unemployment and inflation. Addressing a rally in Kolkata, CPI(M) state secretary Mohammed Salim claimed that both parties were colluding to polarise voters ahead of the 2026 state elections.

In a show of strength, the Left party kickstarted its campaign with a major rally at Brigade Parade Grounds.

NCW chief urges action for riot-hit women

National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has called on the West Bengal government to act urgently to address the plight of riot-hit women in Murshidabad. Speaking to reporters in Kolkata after a two-day visit to the affected districts, she said the suffering endured by women and children was “beyond imagination”. Rahatkar confirmed that the NCW is preparing a report based on testimonies collected during the visit and that it will be submitted to the Centre with copies to top state officials. She emphasised the need for humanitarian aid and confidence-building measures, stating, “They are our own people, daughters of this state.” The NCW chief said the women were assaulted, threatened and forced to flee their homes with no one coming to their aid. She also called for immediate compensation, proper security, and justice for the victims, urging the government to restore peace and rebuild trust in the administration.

President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was passed during the Budget Session of Parliament. She also approved the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025, following its passage in both Houses.