Mamata Banerjee Denies Presence of Communal Tension in West Bengal

Days after violent clashes erupted in Malda, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee says there is no communal tension in WB.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. (Photo: Reuters)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said that there is no communal tension in the state, days after protests broke out in Malda over controversial remarks regarding Prophet Mohammad, NDTV reported.

Thousands marched with green flags on National Highway-34 in protest against the remarks allegedly made to “hurt religious sentiments.” A large number of people, mostly from the Muslim community, on Sunday went on a rampage in Kaliachak, torching vehicles and attacking a police station. Police on Tuesday arrested at least 10 people.

Kamlesh Tiwari, who claims to be the president of the Hindu Mahasabha, had in December issued a press note calling Prophet Muhammad the first homosexual in the world, according to The Times of India.

The situation in Malda is tense after Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha leader Kamlesh Tiwari made some controversial statements. (Photo: ANI screengrab)

BJP Seeks Bengal Governor’s Intervention in Malda Violence

Meanwhile, the BJP has sought the intervention of West Bengal Governor KN Tripathi while accusing the state government of “shielding” the perpetrators.

<p>The Kaliachak police station was attacked only with the aim to destroy records of criminals kept there. Still police have not arrested those involved in the violence. This is only because the Trinamool government doesn’t want them to be arrested. We have sought the intervention of the governor in this matter.</p>

<b>Rahul Sinha, BJP National Secretary, after meeting the governor</b>

The BJP leader also wondered why intellectuals have not come forward to return their awards in protest against the violence.