Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath Criticizes West Bengal Government Over Violence
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a fierce political attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a public rally in Hardoi on Tuesday, criticizing her government’s handling of recent communal violence in Murshidabad district. The UP CM accused Banerjee of turning a blind eye to rioters in her state while claiming to uphold secular values, stating that West Bengal has been “burning” for seven consecutive days with no effective intervention from the state administration. Adityanath’s remarks came amid ongoing tensions following the passage of the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament, which has sparked protests and violent clashes in parts of West Bengal, particularly in Murshidabad and Bhangar areas.
Adityanath Condemns Opposition Silence on Bengal Violence
Extending his criticism beyond the Trinamool Congress leadership, Adityanath targeted opposition parties including the Congress and Samajwadi Party for their perceived silence on the West Bengal violence. The UP chief minister used strong language to describe these political groups, calling them “a burden on the land of India” and accusing them of tacitly supporting the unrest. He particularly criticized opposition parties for their stance on neighboring Bangladesh’s affairs, suggesting those who supported such positions should consider relocating across the border. Adityanath’s comments reflect the escalating political rhetoric between BJP-ruled states and opposition-governed regions, with the Bengal violence becoming a new flashpoint in this ongoing confrontation.
Praise for Modi Government’s Waqf Amendment Bill
Amid his criticism of opposition parties, Adityanath reserved praise for the central government’s recent legislative actions, specifically thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for passing the Waqf Amendment Bill. The UP CM framed the legislation as a pro-poor initiative that would prevent illegal occupation of lands and enable development projects including hospitals, schools and housing for underprivileged communities. Adityanath claimed the opposition was deliberately misleading people about the bill’s provisions due to their alleged vested interests in maintaining the status quo of what he described as “land loot.” His comments came as the amended Waqf law continues to generate controversy, with its implementation facing resistance in several states.
Background: Waqf Act Controversy and Ongoing Unrest
The political tensions follow violent protests that erupted after Parliament approved amendments to the Waqf Act, with the Rajya Sabha passing the bill on April 4 (128-95 vote) and the Lok Sabha clearing it earlier (288-232). President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on April 5, making it law. The government maintains the amendments aim to streamline management of waqf properties and enhance oversight, but opposition parties and some Muslim groups have opposed the changes. The situation turned violent when police stopped Indian Secular Front (ISF) supporters from marching to Kolkata for an anti-Waqf Act rally, leading to clashes that have resulted in 210 arrests so far and incidents of arson targeting police vehicles in Bhangar area of South 24 Parganas district.
Conclusion: Escalating Political Tensions Over Law and Order
The exchange highlights growing political polarization between BJP-ruled states and opposition-governed regions, with law and order becoming a key battleground. While Adityanath positions the Waqf amendments as progressive reform, the violent backlash in West Bengal demonstrates the challenges in implementing such changes. As authorities work to restore normalcy in affected areas, the political rhetoric continues to intensify, with the Bengal violence emerging as a new flashpoint in India’s increasingly contentious federal politics. The coming days will test whether the situation stabilizes or escalates further, with potential implications for inter-state relations and national political dynamics.
