Mamata Banerjee blames “BJP’s sin” for violence in Howrah

“I have said this before. There are some political parties behind what is happening in Howrah. They want to cause riots but these will not be tolerated. Strict action will be taken against all of the. BJP’s sin, why should people suffer?” Banerjee tweeted. 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee slammed the BJP on Saturday for the violence in Howrah, asking why people should suffer for the ‘BJP’s sin,’ referring to former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma’s controversial remark about Prophet Muhammad, which sparked the clash.

“I have said this before. There are some political parties behind what is happening in Howrah. They want to cause riots but these will not be tolerated. Strict action will be taken against all of the. BJP’s sin, why should people suffer?” Banerjee tweeted.

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Since Thursday, Howrah, where West Bengal secretariat Nabanna is located, has seen violent protests in response to Nupur Sharma’s controversial comments. The government ordered the suspension of the internet on Friday until 6 a.m. on Monday to prevent the spread of rumours.

New clashes on saturday

On Saturday, new clashes erupted in the city between protesters and police, despite police claims that the situation was peaceful. “The situation in the Howrah district is calm. Since Friday night, no incidents of protest or violence have been reported. “In sensitive areas, we have deployed large police contingents,” a police officer told PTI. Section 144 was extended until June 15th.

West Bengal BJP vice president Saumitra Khan wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday, urging him to send central forces to the state to “keep Bengal safe.” “To keep the people of Bengal safe, you (Amit Shah) should appoint a central force as soon as possible and entrust West Bengal’s security to them so that the people of West Bengal can gain freedom from the oppressive and tyrannical government,” he wrote in the letter.

“…on June 9, in name of protests in Howrah, National Highway was blocked for six hours. Affecting a lot of people. Similarly, on June 10, a terrifying situation was witnessed at Park Circus, while the Rohingya (Muslims) and the goons of Trinamool Congress (TMC) thrashed police personnel at the Domjur police station,” the BJP MP claimed.

Mamata Banerjee, who earlier condemned Nupur Sharma’s statement. And demanded her arrest, urged protesters that it was pointless to block roads and railway tracks in Bengal. “I will request that you (protesters) call off the blockades on behalf of the general public because nothing has happened in West Bengal. Protest in New Delhi, where the BJP government is in power. Visit Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh “Mamata Banerjee stated.