"Concerning the way freedom of expression is suppressed in state": BJP' Praveen Khandelwal on ongoing violence in Murshidabad

New Delhi [India], April 12 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Praveen Khandelwal took a dig at the West Bengal government for the ongoing violence in Murshidabad over the Waqf (Amendment) Act and said that it was concerning on how the freedom of expression was being suppressed in the state and the government was not taking action.
Speaking to ANI, Khandelwal said, "The West Bengal government is unable or reluctant to stop this anarchy... It is concerning the way freedom of expression is being suppressed in the state, and the government there is not doing anything... The state government should quickly take action against those who are spreading violence..."
He also questioned the work of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and asked if the state government was encouraging 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 questioned.
This comes after demonstrations opposing the Waqf Act turned violent in Murshidabad and resulted in damage to public property. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was tabled in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on April 2 and 3, respectively.
It was passed in both Houses and later received the President's assent, after which it became a law. On April 5, President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
Speaking on the AIADMK's decision to join the NDA for the Tamil Nadu elections, Khandelwal stated that the alliance would bring new hope for the people and that the DMK could see power slipping from their hands.
"The people of Tamil Nadu are fed up with the state government... When the Assembly elections happen, the NDA government will come into power under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi like other states, and good governance will prevail... This alliance will bring new hope to the people. DMK can see the power slipping from their hands."
On Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that AIADMK, BJP and all the alliance parties will contest the upcoming Vidhan Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu together under the National Democratic Alliance. The significant political development comes ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, to be held in 2026. (ANI)