As tensions simmer in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district following communal unrest, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Kumar Jha has criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what he called a repetitive use of the Hindu victimhood narrative. Reacting to the BJP’s allegations that the violence was a targeted attack on Hindus, Jha said the narrative has lost its impact.
“How many times will you play this card? It’s worn out now,” Jha remarked, taking a dig at the BJP’s accusations of “state-sponsored and state-protected violence against Hindus” under the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government.
Speaking to reporters, Jha emphasized that safeguarding social harmony is a joint responsibility of both the central and state governments. He called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak out on the issue, saying, “It’s time the Prime Minister breaks his silence. The responsibility to maintain social cohesion lies with both the Centre and the states. If the country itself is in disarray, there will be no meaning left to elections or political victories.”
The recent unrest in Murshidabad, sparked by protests against the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act, has claimed three lives and led to the arrest of at least 150 individuals. In response to the escalating violence, the Calcutta High Court has ordered the deployment of central forces to restore order. The court is set to review the matter further on April 17.
In affected areas such as Samserganj and Dhuliyan, additional security has been deployed to maintain calm. Reports from the ground indicate widespread damage, including the torching of Hindu-owned shops and homes, desecration of temples, and removal of saffron flags.
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused the TMC of fostering a climate of appeasement. “West Bengal is burning. Hindus are being forced to flee, their homes torched, idols desecrated, and temples vandalized. Even the saffron flag wasn’t spared. What is happening in the land of Swami Vivekananda is shameful,” he said.
Manoj Jha, meanwhile, called for peace and appealed to the public to follow Gandhian principles. “This situation is deeply unfortunate. We must all choose peaceful resistance. Let’s respond in the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi.”
He further added that the RJD is a petitioner in the ongoing legal proceedings and expressed confidence that the judiciary would address what he described as an injustice arising from a flawed interpretation of Article 26 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom to manage religious affairs.
“I trust that the Mamata Banerjee-led government will bring the situation under control,” he said.
Meanwhile, a Public Interest Litigation filed by advocate Anish Mukherjee, on behalf of West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, has called for an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and continued presence of central forces. The Calcutta High Court has directed both the state and central governments to file detailed reports on the situation.
