West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre of instigating riots in the state on Monday.
On Monday, Mamata Banerjee paid a visit to Purba Medinipur, where she distributed public welfare services to the people. Banerjee told the crowd, “Here the Central Forces came, stayed in a five-star hotel, and instigated riots.”
They then returned after meeting with BJP officials. Before they arrive, ask them where they can find the money for 100 days of work (MGNREGA). Tell that first, then come to Bengal to incite riots.”
Banerjee urged people not to vote for the BJP in the upcoming Panchayat elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. “I will do everything for you (people), but please do not vote for the BJP, the party that causes riots, in Panchayat elections or the 2024 elections,” she added.
Notably, ruckus and stone pelting erupted on Sunday during the BJP’s Shobha yatra in Hooghly. Earlier in the day, several vehicles were set on fire in Howrah after two groups clashed during Ram Navami celebrations.
Rioters vandalised public and private property and set fire to vehicles during the procession. Meanwhile, allegations and counter-allegations about the issue continued to fly between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the main opposition party, the BJP.
Soon after reports of the violence surfaced, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose about the situation. In fact, the union home secretary has requested a detailed report on the violence from the state. The West Bengal BJP has demanded that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) look into the incident.
