West Bengal’s political landscape heated up Thursday as Suvendu Adhikari, the fiery BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition, fired off a letter to Governor C.V. Ananda Bose demanding urgent action against the horrific violence in Beldanga. What started as a minor scuffle snowballed into a night of terror, with communal overtones shaking the Murshidabad town to its core.
Reports indicate the unrest ignited around a religious procession clash near a temple and mosque vicinity. Within minutes, mobs took to the streets, hurling bricks and petrol bombs. Business hubs turned into infernos as attackers targeted shops belonging to specific communities. The BJP alleges the violence was pre-planned, pointing fingers at TMC-backed elements provoking the chaos to polarize voters.
Adhikari’s communication lays bare the administration’s lapses: delayed police response, partisan deployment of forces, and a blatant disregard for festival security protocols. He has called for the Governor to direct a high-level probe, suspension of errant officials, and compensation for victims whose livelihoods were gutted in the fires.
Eyewitness accounts paint a grim picture. ‘We begged the police to intervene, but they stood watching,’ said a shopkeeper whose outlet was reduced to ashes. Over a dozen injuries were reported, including women and children caught in the crossfire. Social media erupted with footage of burning vehicles and desperate pleas for help, amplifying the crisis statewide.
This isn’t isolated. Adhikari referenced past flare-ups in the district, arguing that Murshidabad has become a tinderbox under TMC rule. The Governor’s office remains tight-lipped, but sources hint at a possible meeting with top officials. Meanwhile, TMC leaders countered by blaming ‘BJP mischief-makers’ for stoking tensions.
With elections on the horizon, such incidents fuel the narrative of governance failure. Adhikari’s bold move underscores the opposition’s strategy to corner the ruling party on security fronts. Beldanga’s wounds may heal, but the political scars from this confrontation will linger long into the campaign season.