Murshidabad Violence: Over 100 Arrested, Suvendu Adhikari Takes a Dig at TMC? Will Mamta Banerjee fight 2026 Election on Waqf Narrative?

Violence erupted during anti-Waqf protests in Murshidabad district of West Bengal. According to police reports, protests took a violent turn on Tuesday. More than 110 people have been arrested so far, claims WB Police. Many prominent BJP leaders, including LOP Suvendu Adhikari, alleged that police took action against the wrong people. He also accused the local SP of “refusing to coordinate with him.” Governor C.V. Ananda Bose has assured that strict actions will be taken against all the fragile elements.

Mamata’s administration is facing tough criticism from all the opposition leaders. Is the state government’s alleged selective approach against the Muslims a tactic to win over the state’s minority votes? Is Mamata relying on Waqf protests for Muslim support?

What happened in Murshidabad?

Murshidabad district of West Bengal has the highest percentage of Muslims in the state. Masses from the Muslim community were protesting against the controversial Waqf amendment bill. Peaceful protests took a violent turn on Tuesday, 8th April. As of now, more than 100 have been arrested by West Bengal police. But there were several allegations against the selective approach of West Bengal Police. That is why BSF has also been deployed in the region.
A first-hand victim, in conversation with ANI, said that several people entered the shops and vandalised. There were several instances of burning and looting in the area. He also mentioned the inefficiency and biased approach of West Bengal Police.

#WATCH | Murshidabad | A local vendor says, "They vandalised and torched so many things, including bikes. My uncle's shops were vandalised, and they also took away things that were in the shops. We couldn't sleep the entire night due to fear. The police weren't here when it all… https://t.co/AUlVgWqHVe pic.twitter.com/PfSpSZlXwE

— ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2025

Due to the protests, train services were also disrupted in the region. More than 5,000 people kept waiting at the railway station.

“Police inefficient and administration biased,” BJP

Several top-rank BJP leaders, including LOP Suvendu Adhikari, blamed Mamata’s government for the violent protests. He said that the local SP refused to coordinate with him and also didn’t reply to his mails. Adhikari and other BJP leaders are also blaming Mamata for politics of Muslim appeasement. They say that by allowing the Waqf protest to go violent, Mamata is trying to win over Muslim votes.

Is Mamata Banerjee Banking On Waqf Act for 2026 Polls? 

West Bengal legislative assembly polls are due next year. With left and congress long gone, Mamata has had a free run for almost a decade in state politics. But BJP can pose a tough challange in 2026 polls as they got nearly 37percent votes in last assemly elections. BJP eyes to increase its vote chunk by batting on hindutva pitch. In that case Mamata cant afford a divison in muslim votes. 

It can be the reason,TMC first gave heavy resistance to waqf bill in parliment and now dots of the violent protests in a muslim dominated Murshidabad are connected with TMC. 

Why Muslims matter for Mamata

Muslims constitute around 28 per cent of the state’s population. This is the second highest in the country after Assam (34.4%) (data only for states where Muslims are a minority).
Muslims have strongly rallied behind TMC in several past polls. The community contributes almost half of the total voters for TMC. Other than this, they have a strong presence in 120 of 294 constituencies.All these factors suggest that Muslims are essential for Mamata in 2026, and if they split among TMC, Left and Congress, it can prove fatal for Mamata’s future prospects in the state. That is why TMC will leave no stone unturned to rally Muslims behind. And agitation among Muslims over the Waqf Act is something TMC will try to capitalise on for a better tally in the community.