Amit Shah Credits EC's Neutral Officers for Reduced Violence During Bengal's Ram Navami Processions
Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared on Saturday that the Election Commission's deployment of neutral officers in West Bengal significantly reduced instances of violence during Ram Navami processions. Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata, Shah emphasized that without these measures, the state would have witnessed more unrest.
Shah Highlights Role of Election Commission in Maintaining Peace
"There has been the least number of attacks during Ram Navami this time. The reason is the deployment of neutral officers by the Election Commission," Shah stated. He attributed the relative calm to the poll panel's decision to transfer officers perceived as favoring Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, suggesting this action helped curb potential violence.
Prohibitory orders remained enforced in Murshidabad's Raghunathganj and Jangipur on Saturday following clashes during a Ram Navami rally on Friday. Shah asserted that not a single incident of violence is acceptable and called for ensuring the safety of all communities, while specifically noting concerns for the majority community due to what he termed appeasement politics.
Criticism of Bengal Government's Past Record
Shah also criticized the state government's handling of previous incidents, referencing post-2021 assembly poll violence. "BJP workers were killed after the 2021 assembly polls. Nearly 25,000 people had to take shelter in Jharkhand. Was the DGP under the Election Commission then? How can that be justified?" he questioned, highlighting past grievances against the administration.
Echoing these concerns, BJP co-incharge Amit Malviya had earlier pointed out that Murshidabad has over a 70% Muslim population, alleging that Banerjee's policies have made border districts unsafe for Hindus. Malviya warned that the situation could deteriorate after the 2026 assembly polls if Trinamool Congress remains in power, suggesting a potential future where Bengali Hindus might seek a new homeland.
Local BJP Leaders Demand Accountability
Subal Chandra Ghosh, BJP's Jangipur district president, alleged that party workers were specifically targeted in Murshidabad during the recent clashes. He demanded punishment for those who pelted stones at the Ram Navami procession, calling for justice and stricter enforcement of law and order.
Shah's remarks underscore ongoing political tensions in Bengal, with the home minister framing the Election Commission's interventions as crucial for maintaining communal harmony during religious events. The statements reflect broader debates over governance, security, and electoral integrity in the state.
