A delegation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, led by State president Sukanta Majumdar, was stopped by police on Sunday from entering Mothabari in West Bengal’s Malda district, where communal tensions erupted on March 27. Majumdar, who also serves as the Union Minister of State for Education, was halted at English bazar, around three kilometers from Mothabari.
BJP’s Response to Police Restrictions
Addressing party supporters at the police barricade, Sukanta Majumdar accused law enforcement of failing to “protect the Hindus” and urged locals to celebrate Ram Navami with greater enthusiasm.
“How can the police direct the villagers not to hold Ram Navami puja? The police cannot do that. I have asked the people to celebrate Ram Navami without fear,” he stated.
The BJP leader further instructed party workers to remain vigilant in strife-affected areas, asserting that Hindus in Malda should not face persecution due to their minority status.
Suvendu Adhikari’s Reaction
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari also condemned the situation, calling it a “fight for existence for the Hindus.” He claimed that a similar situation had arisen in Nowda, Murshidabad, where shops were set ablaze.
Police Action and Security Measures
The West Bengal police reported on Saturday that the situation in Mothabari was under control. Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Jawed Shamim confirmed that:
- 16 cases have been registered in connection with the violence.
- 61 individuals have been arrested.
- Senior police officials, including the Inspector General of Police (North Bengal) and the Deputy Inspector General (Malda Range), remain on-site to monitor the situation.
In Murshidabad’s Nowda area, police confirmed two cases of arson and six arrests made during overnight raids. Authorities assured that further raids were underway to apprehend additional suspects.
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Appeal for Restraint Amid Festive Season
With Eid-ul-Fitr and Ram Navami approaching, the West Bengal police have urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading or believing in rumors. Meanwhile, BJP leaders have claimed that around one crore Hindus will participate in Ram Navami processions across the state.
The situation remains tense, with political and security forces closely monitoring developments in Malda and Murshidabad.
