"Not an act of protest, rather premeditated act of violence": Suvendu Adhikari condemns vandalism over Waqf Act in Murshidabad

Murshidabad (West Bengal) [India], April 12 (ANI): Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday vehemently condemned the recent violence in Murshidabad District over the Waqf Act, particularly the vandalism at the Jalangi BDO Office.
He attributed the violence to "radical elements" opposing the Constitution and law of the land, alleging that these groups are spreading chaos to assert dominance and sow fear among other communities.
Taking to social media X, Adhikari said that the protest was a 'premeditated act of violence' and an 'assault on democracy and governance' by the Jihadist forces.
"I am deeply outraged and vehemently condemn the atrocious incident of vandalism at the Jalangi BDO Office in Murshidabad District, carried out by radical elements masquerading as protestors against the Anti-Waqf Law."
"Let it be known that this was not an act of protest, rather a premeditated act of violence, an assault on Democracy and Governance by Jihadist forces who seek to spread chaos in order to assert their dominance and sow fear amongst other Communities of our Society," he added.
Adhikari highlighted the destruction of public property and compromised public safety due to unchecked mob actions.
"Public property was destroyed, Government Officials felt threatened, and an atmosphere of fear and intimidation was created, all under the false guise of dissent," the post read.
Further taking a jibe at the CM Mamata Banerjee, the BJP leader criticized the West Bengal Government for their silence and inaction, questioning whether vote-bank politics is prioritized over the safety of West Bengal's people and institutions.
"The silence of the Mamata Banerjee Government is deafening. Why is she allowing, instigating and tolerating such lawlessness? Why isn't there any clear statement issued by the State Government condemning this act of terror? Is vote-bank politics more important than the safety of West Bengal's People and Institutions?" added Adhikari.
He demanded that the culprits be identified, arrested, and prosecuted under strict laws to restore order.
I demand that the culprits must be identified, arrested and prosecuted under the strictest sections of law. This would be the primary step to restore order. If the State Govt is incapable of doing it, then kindly seek the assistance of the Central Government," the post further read.
The violence in the Murshidabad District erupted amid protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, resulting in damage to public property. The situation in areas like Jangipur is reportedly under control, but tensions remain high.
Meanwhile, security was tightened, and several vehicles were torched in the ongoing protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act in Murshidabad, as per police officials.

A guard who was on duty said that the crowd had started to gather after 1 pm and started stone pelting, further stating that the movements of the train had to be stopped due to the vandalism.
"The crowd started to gather after 1 PM yesterday to protest against the Waqf Amendment Act. The mob started stone-pelting. The trains' movements were stopped because of vandalism," the guard said.
He further stated that movement was restored after the Railway Protection Personnal (RPF) and Border Security Forces (BSF) came.
"Many things were destroyed, and the signal couldn't be passed. Late in the night, RPF and BSF personnel came, and then the movement of trains was restored. Many of the trains have been diverted, and many are running late..." he further added.
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. (ANI)