Amid communal tensions in Mothabari in the Malda district of West Bengal, the police Sunday stopped a BJP delegation under the leadership of president and Union minister Sukanta Majumdar, citing prohibitory orders in the area.
Internet services were suspended, and prohibitory orders were issued in Mothabari and surrounding areas of West Bengal’s Malda following clashes between two communities Thursday. A large contingent of police personnel were posted in the area, and 34 people were arrested.
Sukanta Majumdar headed towards Mothabari, threatening to protest against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in a “democratic manner”. He also expressed strong dissatisfaction with the police and the state government’s handling of the situation.
“If there is any obstacle, we will protest in a democratic manner. All the people of the Hindu community will fight against the Trinamool police,” Majumdar declared. He went on to raise concerns about the presence of TMC supporters and MLAs in the area, despite the imposition of Section 144, which prohibits large gatherings. “How are Trinamool people and MLAs roaming around in the area with such force despite Section 144?” he questioned.
On his way to Mothabari, the police stopped Majumdar approximately 10 km before reaching his destination. A bamboo barricade was erected to prevent his progress. In response, Majumdar sat on the road in protest. “If you had to go to jail, go to jail, but keep fighting,” Majumdar shouted through a loudspeaker as he addressed his party workers, while also criticising the TMC and the police administration.
In an attempt to rally his supporters, he also called on the youth wing of the BJP to greet Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with a “Jai Shri Ram” slogan. “Wherever she goes in West Bengal, we will say ‘Jai Shri Ram’,” Majumdar said.
He further made a direct appeal to the police, urging them to “protect Hindus”. Majumdar in a direct attack on state police chief Rajiv Kumar said, “Rajiv Kumar is watching my speech on TV. I want to tell him that the hief minister will not be able to save you for long. You too will have to go to jail. Your time has come,” he threatened.
Majumdar repeatedly insisted that breaking the barricade set up by the police would not have been an issue for his party. “Today, we were stopped. We had two minutes; we could have broken this barricade. But treat this as a practice match. If we have to break it, then we will break the barricade in front of Nabanna. That will be different fun,” he said.
The BJP leader also used the occasion to discuss Ram Navami celebrations, a topic of increasing significance in the state. He compared how the festival is celebrated in BJP-ruled states and Bengal. “When there is a Ram Navami procession there, Muslims stand on the side of the road, showering flowers and serving sarabat. Wait until 26. You will also see that Ram scene. You will hold a Ram Navami procession, and Muslim brothers will stand by and serve sarabat,” Majumdar said, hinting at grand celebrations in Bengal.
He further criticised the police for arresting Hindus in nearby villages, particularly in relation to the Ram Navami celebrations. “The police are arresting Hindus about ten 10 km away from Mothabari from villages. Police are giving conditions for Ram Navami celebrations. I want to tell everyone that we will celebrate Ram Navami in the best way, and no one can stop us,” he said.
The situation in Mothabari is under control, according to the police. They have arrested 17 people in Malda for disturbing the peace. Additional Director General of Law and Order Jawed Shamim said Saturday that 19 cases have been registered.
NCW Members will visit Mothabari to take stock of the situation.
National Commission for women’s member post Dr Archana Majumdar, said NCW will visit Malda on April 4. “NCW has received multiple complaints from Mothabari, Malda. We are actively processing them, and a team is set to visit the spot on April 4 (tentative) for further assessment. Ensuring justice and support remains our priority,” she wrote on X handle.