“Sinister, Divide and Rule Politics...”: Mamata Banerjee Slams BJP, RSS Over Murshidabad Violence; Appeals for Peace

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday issued an appeal to the people of her state to remain calm and united in the face of rising communal tensions, while calling out the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for allegedly fomenting “divisive politics”. The appeal comes in the wake of communal clashes that broke out in Bengal's Murshidabad district, stemming out of protests against the Waqf Amendment Act. The violence claimed three lives, left several injured, and displaced many.

In a four-page open letter, Banerjee condemned the violence that erupted in Murshidabad. She took a sharp swipe at BJP and RSS, alleging that they provoked the violence. “These forces are using the backdrop of an unfortunate incident that happened on provocation,” Banerjee wrote. “They are using the backdrop to play divisive politics. They are planning to play the 'divide and rule' game. This is sinister.”

Referring to the what she called the increasing role of the RSS and BJP in the state, Banerjee said, “BJP and its allies are defaming the universal Hinduism of ours in the name of their so-called political agenda.” She emphasised the inclusive nature of Bengal’s spiritual traditions, noting, “The Hinduism of Sri Ramakrishna–Swami Vivekananda is a universal religion. This universal religion teaches me to embrace all, accept all, love all.”

Banerjee highlighted the contrast between West Bengal’s approach to law and order and what she described as more authoritarian measures in BJP-ruled states. “In UP, Bihar, MP, Rajasthan – protest rallies are not allowed! But no such anti-Constitutional dispensation is there in West Bengal,” she wrote. “Manipur is burning for several months now… Assam and Tripura are also in profound turmoil.”

She stressed that communal riots are not the work of any one religion, but of criminal elements exploiting divisions. “Please remember that riots are created neither by Hindus, nor by Muslims – riots are engineered by criminals. Strict actions will be taken against all criminals. No one will be spared.”

The Bengal Chief Minister also condemned what she termed the “bulldozer politics” of some northern states, contrasting it with Bengal’s commitment to support and inclusion. “When they use bulldozers in UP, agony comes. In contrast, in West Bengal, when someone suffers, we help.”

Ending her letter with a call for peace and unity, Banerjee urged citizens not to fall for communal rhetoric. “Finally, my appeal to everyone again is: stay calm, stay united. Do not give in to mistrust and distrust. Do not be diverted by their false communal rhetoric.”

She concluded by quoting Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of unity among all religions and communities: “Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Muslim, Christian / From East and West, they come and gather / Around Thy throne in love."

The violent communal clashes in Murshidabad broke out during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act and quickly escalated into widespread unrest. Incidents of arson, stone-pelting, and large-scale road blockades were reported across Dhulian and parts of Samserganj on 11 and 12 April. The violence claimed three lives and displaced hundreds of residents. According to the West Bengal Police, 60 FIRs have been registered and 274 individuals have been arrested in connection with the unrest.​