Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Monday urged people to maintain peace in Beldanga amid reports of violence, warning that falling for provocations would only benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Addressing a gathering in Baharampur, Murshidabad, Banerjee condemned recent incidents of unrest and strongly criticised those attempting to politicise sensitive issues.
Referring to the incidents in Beldanga, Banerjee said, “In regard to what happened in Beldanga yesterday, I urge everyone not to fall for provocations. A journalist was assaulted yesterday. The same thing has happened again today.” He added that the Trinamool Congress does not support such acts and called upon the administration to act firmly. “On behalf of AITC, I urge the administration to take appropriate action. AITC does not support this. We need to show restraint,” he said, cautioning that taking the law into one’s own hands would politically benefit the BJP.
Taking a swipe at former Trinamool leader Humayun Kabir without naming him directly, Banerjee accused him of having links with the BJP. “The one who is politicising the Babri Masjid issue was himself BJP’s candidate in 2019. So who is in touch with BJP? His real face will be exposed to the public very soon,” he said. Appealing for calm, Banerjee urged residents of Murshidabad to deny the BJP any political advantage. “I request all my brothers from Murshidabad to maintain peace. BJP must not be given political oxygen at all.”
Banerjee said he had received repeated reports of violence in Beldanga and revealed that he was advised by party colleagues to postpone the day’s programme. “I was advised by many from within the party to delay today’s event by a couple of days since many people would not be able to attend,” he said. However, after consulting the administration and the media, he claimed the violence was being instigated by “BJP babus and a new traitor of this soil.” Cancelling the programme, he argued, would have emboldened them. “Murshidabad has to unite against those who create religious division and tension among people,” he said, urging voters to defeat such forces democratically.
Referring to the attack on Allauddin Sheikh, Banerjee said he personally contacted the Chief Minister’s Office in Jharkhand. “I said that action must be taken against anyone who is behind the incident, and I have been assured that the investigation is ongoing and action will be taken soon,” he said, reiterating his appeal against vigilantism. “Don’t take the law into your own hands; it will benefit BJP and the traitors. Don’t fall for provocation.”
Highlighting attacks on Bengali migrant workers outside the state, Banerjee said such incidents had occurred even in Congress-ruled states like Karnataka and Telangana. “No help was extended by the Telangana government,” he alleged, adding that the Trinamool Congress stepped in to assist a migrant worker from Chapra in Nadia and brought him back safely. “Only AITC stands with people in times of need,” he said.
Banerjee also said MP Yusuf Pathan had expressed a desire to visit Beldanga following the violence. “I told him to wait for 1–2 days,” he said, adding that after the meeting, the local MLA and MP would visit the family of Allauddin Sheikh. He announced that, as per Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s instructions, the district administration had extended financial assistance of ₹2 lakh to the family and that Sheikh’s wife would be given a government job.
Banerjee accused the BJP of economically and institutionally targeting Bengal. “BJP blocked funds for the 100-days work scheme, housing scheme, rural road schemes, and Jal Jeevan Mission,” he said, alleging that the party had also used the SIR process to harass people. “The Election Commission has turned into a Torture Commission,” Banerjee said.
