BJP deliberately trying to incite riots in Bengal: Didi
Times of India | 17 January 2026
Kolkata/Siliguri: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday accused the BJP of spreading violence in Bengal and claimed that migrant labourers were being "tortured" each day.
"They are deliberately trying to incite riots in Bengal. This is the BJP's plan, as they do not have the capacity to win the polls. They are looting and spreading lies. On Friday, the gathering happened organically. I urge people not to be part of a mob. Lakhs of people go to temples on auspicious days as well. The anger is natural, though, since countless people are getting SIR notices. Migrant labourers are being attacked. BJP is trying to incite riots. The Centre's agencies are also behind it. I condemn it. I urge the minority community to have patience. We are with you," said Banerjee at the Kolkata airport while on her way to north Bengal.
The chief minister claimed that miscreants deliberately tried to use the Friday prayers to create disturbance. "You know who all instigated the incident in Beldanga. I don't want to say more about it. Friday is an auspicious day for the minority community. Just as Hindus have auspicious days associated with Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, and Santoshi Mata, Friday is considered auspicious because of Jumma Namaz.
"If you put up a speaker during Durga Puja, countless people will listen. Friday holds deep sentimental value for the minorities, and people turn out in large numbers for Friday prayers. Some may have seen this as an opportunity to instigate the people," she alleged.
The chief minister said she was also fighting for the rights of migrant workers. "I will tell the people of the minority community that we take the torture of migrant labourers very seriously. We filed cases and helped the families of the victims. I urge everyone to maintain peace and be patient. I also appeal to those whose names were deleted to submit their forms. A legal battle is also being fought. Have faith in the judiciary," the chief minister said.
Alleging that migrant labourers were being tortured in BJP-governed states, CM Banerjee said that the govt was ready to help all such families. "We have filed FIRs and arrests will be made. We are trying to help those families. How does the BJP expect to get support in Bengal by harassing Bengalis in BJP-governed states?" asked Banerjee.
Migrant labourers are being attacked. BJP is trying to incite riots. The Centre's agencies are also behind it. I condemn it. I urge the minority community to have patience. We are with you