‘Resist instigation by BJP and fundamentalist orgs’: Mamata meets families of Murshidabad riot victims

Calling for “unity”, she said: “Don’t be swayed by the BJP or any fundamentalist organisation. Instead of getting divided among yourselves, behead me. I will be happy with that.”

“I love all religions. I believe that if violence spreads, mothers and sisters will stop it… Rioters are being brought to Bengal from outside. Do not get provoked by them… Please, I repeat, do not listen to the BJP or any group. Don’t divide people. If you do these things, then throw me out of your heart. I don’t want riots; I don’t like riots,” the TMC chief said.

“Let me tell you all, when a blood donation camp takes place, people write their name, age, etc. That blood is sent to the blood bank, and then the name is also removed. That same blood is transfused to Hindus, Muslims, or Christians. It goes to anyone in need, regardless of their religion. Blood is not meant to take people’s lives; it is meant to give life to people,” she added.

The chief minister also urged people not to indulge in violence over protests against the Waqf Amendment Act. “There is no question of (implementing) the amended Waqf Act in Bengal… If you want to protest against the Waqf (law), go to Delhi; not here. In Bengal, you will not have any problem. If anyone tries to take away your rights, we are here for it. Were NRC and CAA not being implemented? Let me take the decision on your behalf. You all should stay together with each other without thinking about the religion,” the CM asserted.

Earlier in the day, the chief minister held a closed-door meeting with the families of the victims at the Samserganj BDO office and handed compensation cheques to them.

Samserganj had also witnessed violence on April 11 and 12.

“Today, I met with nearly 400 families in Samserganj affected by the recent communal unrest. As immediate relief, our Ma, Mati, Manush Sarkaar has provided cheques of ₹1.2 lakh each to the 236 affected families. Under the ‘Banglar Bari’ scheme, we will also build new homes for those who have lost their shelters in this tragic incident. A deliberate attempt is being made to exploit the situation for political gain by inciting communal hatred and division. Let me be clear: I stand firmly against violence. Those perpetrators who engineered unrest in parts of Murshidabad are enemies of the nation and its people, and will face the full force of the law. Bengal will never tolerate riots. No stone will be left unturned to ensure peace and harmony prevails,” the CM later posted on X.

Countering the BJP’s claims that her government obstructs holding of Durga Puja in the state, the chief minister said: “They (BJP) say we don’t allow Durga Puja in Bengal. Where have you come from, Jagatpita? If in Kolkata there is no Durga Puja, then where is it done,” she asked.

“My dear brothers and sisters… what the BJP says on social media is fake. Their name is feku,” she added.

“I got a skywalk installed in Dhakineswar in Kalighat. We have carried out development projects at Baba Taraknath (Tarakeshwar) and set up Jagannath Dham in Puri. They (BJP) say, I don’t believe in dharma (religion)… I don’t need to learn from there. When anyone asks what my gotra is, I say ‘maa, maati, manush’… I have only one religion – the religion of humanity,” she concluded.