Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday firmly condemned the latest spate of violence in West Bengal's Murshidabad, calling it a "heart-wrenching" incident that highlights what he says is a deteriorating law and order situation under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's rule.
Addressing journalists, Singh blamed the West Bengal government for not being able to provide security to the Hindu community, claiming that Hindus are being targeted and forced out of the state. "The Murshidabad incident is indicating that Hindus are being driven out of Bengal. Mamata Banerjee must answer, if the Hindus of Bengal are going out of Bengal?" he asked.
Refining his criticism, Singh said, "When the saviour turns into a destroyer, then who will save? Mamata Banerjee is the head of the Bengal government. For her, Muslims are not just the vote bank. It is her duty to safeguard Hindus as well."
The unrest, which is said to have followed a quarrel regarding Waqf Board properties, has lit a political storm. The BJP has charged the Trinamool Congress (TMC) with minority appeasement while ostensibly neglecting the security of the Hindu community.
Singh extended his attack to Bihar politics also, targeting Tejashwi Yadav's RJD. He accused that Yadav is trying to instill West Bengal-like unrest in Bihar by making a promise that he will roll back the Waqf (Amendment) Act if elected to power.
"Tejashwi Yadav wishes to bring the same mayhem to Bihar. If this is your mindset, the people will never give you an opportunity to strike at them. Who is the guardian of the Constitution? Everybody is a citizen. The government has the largest responsibility," Singh stated, cautioning against actions he feels may result in the intimidation of Hindus in Bihar.
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