Trinamool accuses the BJP of orchestrating attacks to undermine TMC’s popularity
Following a crude bomb blast at a Ram Navami procession in Rejinagar, Murshidabad, Trinamool Party’s supremo Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of carrying out pre-planned attacks with the intention of causing unrest.
Eyewitness accounts reported groups of miscreants pelting stones at the procession minutes before a crude bomb exploded, injuring over 20 people, including police personnel.
Official police reports stated, “20 people were moderately injured, while an elderly woman sustained major injuries and was rushed to Murshidabad College and Hospital. A large contingent of police and CRPF personnel were deployed in the district following the incident.
Bombs thrown directly on the Bengali hindu attending the Ram Navami procession with a clear aim to harm and even k!ll Hindus
Place- Shaktipur, Beldanga 2 block, Murshidabad, WB. #RamNavami #BengaliHindusUnderAttack #MurshidabadBombing #HindusUnderAttackpic.twitter.com/6tDzkQbDyR
— Praloy mondal । প্রলয় মন্ডল (@Praloy_mon1) April 17, 2024
The report also stated that stone-pelters had gathered on a rooftop near the processions route, underscoring the predetermined nature of the incident. The fresh onset of violence days ahead of the Lok Sabha elections has prompted the Election Commission to demand a report from the district administration.
During a rally in Raiganj on April 18, Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee raised allegations against the BJP for creating unrest ahead of the national polls by orchestrating violence. Ms. Banerjee said, “Everything was pre-planned. The DIG (Deputy Inspector General of Police) of Murshidabad was removed a day ahead of Ram Navami so that you [the BJP] can carry out the violence”.
The CM also cited her previous objections about the DIG change and asked the EC to intervene and conduct an in-depth inquiry into the matter.
The BJP accuses Trinamool of provocation
Opposition BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has denied the BJP’s influence in the matter and stated that the state-wide Ram Navami processions are headed by TMC leaders contesting the Lok Sabha polls.
He also said, “The Ram Navami processions were disrupted and attacked at various places across the State of West Bengal due to the CM’s provocative speech, which successfully incited miscreants, who were assured that the law enforcement agency wouldn’t act against them.”.
Mr. Adhikari too sought in-depth inquiry into the matter from the EC and also asked the Governor to take action against Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee.
TMC leader Kunal Ghosh retaliated against Suvendu Adhikari on X, stating, “Last year, during Ram Navami, it was the BJP that imported its brand of violence into Bengal, with its worker Sumit Shaw brandishing a pistol during a procession in Howrah. This year, on Ram Navami, bombs exploded in the BJP workers’ house—in Jitendra Tiwari’s district—while they were illegally manufacturing explosives. This is the same Jitendra Tiwari who had a backroom meeting with NIA SP a while ago. @SuvenduWB should drop all pretence. People of Bengal know that Bangla-Birodhi @BJP4India’s poll strategy here is to implement their Dangabaji (Riot) Formula. This ideology of hate will see a Bishorjon in the next few weeks.”
Last year, during Ram Navami, it was BJP that imported its brand of violence in Bengal, with its worker Sumit Shaw brandishing pistol during a procession in Howrah
This year, on Ram Navami, bombs exploded in the BJP workers’ house – in Jitendra Tiwari’s district – while they… https://t.co/iUeoJInjhS
— Kunal Ghosh (@KunalGhoshAgain) April 18, 2024
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury also blamed the Bengal CM’s provocative speeches for creating unrest and fear ahead of the LS polls. He also alleged Trinamool workers blocked him on Wednesday night when he was enroute to meet the victim’s at Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital.
Violence ahead of the LS polls will jeopardise “free and fair” elections
Political analysts anticipate an escalation in violent trends ahead of the nation-wide Lok Sabha elections. Opposition parties in various states have repeatedly alleged the BJP’s nexus with the central investigation agencies like the ED (Enforcement Directorate), NIA (National Investigation Agency), and CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation).
The arrests of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the days before the LS polls have also sparked speculation about the BJP’s unfair political tactics.
The politicisation of major media corporations by the Reliance group also outlines the threat to freedom of speech and expression posed by the Bharatiya Janta Party as the nation heads towards autocracy.
