Issuing a strong message against violence in Murshidabad’s Beldanga, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday appealed to the people to maintain peace and not fall prey to provocation.
Referring to the unrest after the death of a migrant worker in Jharkhand, the Chief Minister said people were aware of who was instigating trouble in Beldanga.
She urged residents to stay calm and respect communal harmony, saying gatherings take place there regularly, just as they do during Durga Puja and Shivratri.
“Their anger is justified, but peace must be maintained. We believe in harmony among all religions. Do not attack journalists,” she said before going on three-day tour to North Bengal.
Miss Banerjee alleged that there was a deliberate attempt to create unrest in Bengal, blaming the BJP and accusing it of using central agencies.
“The BJP wants chaos, and central government agencies are behind it,” she claimed.
Beldanga has witnessed widespread protests since Friday morning following the death of a migrant worker from Murshidabad in Jharkhand. Rail and road blockades were reported as tensions escalated in the area.
The Chief Minister also spoke about alleged attacks on migrant workers in states ruled by “double-engine governments.”
Citing cases from Bihar, she called such incidents shameful and said the state government was monitoring the situation closely.
She assured support to the families of affected migrant workers, adding that court cases had already been filed and that she stood by the families.
Banerjee also expressed strong resentment over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list.
A day after the Election Commission said Madhyamik admit cards would not be accepted as valid documents, she accused the commission of creating confusion.
“Notices are being sent on WhatsApp. Now they say Madhyamik admit cards will not work, domicile certificates will not work, and even Aadhaar cards are not being accepted despite the Supreme Court’s direction,” she said.
She further alleged that notices had been sent to around 90,000 people of a particular community in Malda and that tribal names had been removed from voter lists in several districts.
Questioning where common people would go, she asserted her commitment to democracy. “I was with the people, I am with them, and I will remain with them. The fight against autocracy, injustice and oppression will continue,” she said.
The chief minister also claimed that nearly 200 notices were being issued every two months, putting immense pressure on Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
She alleged that around 100 people had died due to the stress caused by the process.