hindus-forced-to-flee-wb-giriraj-singh-on-murshidabad-clash

Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday blamed the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government for the recent violence in Murshidabad, alleging that Hindus are being “forced” to flee the state.

 

Calling the incident “unfortunate”, Singh said the state government has failed to ensure the safety of Hindus despite being equally responsible for the security of all communities.

 

“Hindus' security is the responsibility of Mamata Banerjee along with Muslims. Murshidabad violence shows Hindus are forced to flee West Bengal... It is unfortunate that this is happening in front of the state government,” Singh told reporters in Bihar’s Begusarai.

 

The remarks came in the wake of violence that erupted during demonstrations opposing the Waqf Act in Murshidabad. The protests turned violent, resulting in damage to public property.

 

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was introduced in both Houses of Parliament—Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha—on 2 and 3 April, respectively. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Bill on 5 April, following which it became law.

 

The newly passed Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, aims to streamline the management of waqf properties. It also seeks to empower stakeholders and enhance the efficiency of surveys, registration, and dispute resolution related to waqf lands.

 

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Praveen Khandelwal also took aim at the Trinamool Congress government over the unrest in Murshidabad, accusing it of turning a blind eye to violence and stifling free speech.

 

“The West Bengal government is unable or reluctant to stop this anarchy... It concerns the way freedom of expression is being suppressed in the state, and the government there is not doing anything about it. The state government should quickly take action against those who are spreading violence...” Khandelwal told ANI.

 

He also questioned the intent of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s administration, asking whether its silence amounts to encouragement of violent activities.

 

“This raises a question about the Chief Minister's work... Is the state government encouraging such activities by watching in silence?” the BJP MP said.

 

The West Bengal government has yet to issue a formal statement in response to the allegations raised by Singh and Khandelwal.