Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has reacted to the violence and loss of three lives in Murshidabad district of West Bengal during Waqf protests. CM Yogi expressed concern saying Dalit Hindus were being targeted and killed in Murshidabad because they would otherwise benefit from the lands which were previously occupied in the name of Waqf.
Speaking at a function in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow, Yogi said, “They are scared that if the Dalits, the underprivileged and marginalised get to live in high rise buildings, then their vote bank will be finished. They will not be able to mislead people anymore. Political parties like the Congress, Samajwadi Party and TMC, they are capturing the lands of these Dalit, poor and underprivileged people leaving them homeless refugees.
Lakhs of acres of land have been captured in the name of Waqf in our country without any papers, documents or revenue records. When the government is trying to get those lands back and (Waqf) Amendment Bill is passed, then violence is being encouraged.
Three Hindus have been dragged out of their homes and mercilessly killed in West Bengal’s Murshidabad. They are these Dalit and underprivileged people who were supposed to get the maximum benefits of this land.”
What happened in Murshidabad?
Violent protests broke out in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, resulting in three deaths, at least 10 people were injured, including seven to ten police personnel and over 150 arrested.
The West Bengal government deployed Border Security Force personnel to assist with law enforcement efforts, and the Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of central forces in Murshidabad.
To manage the escalating situation and disperse the assembly, police employed countermeasures including a lathi charge (baton charge). The deployment of tear gas shells and, reportedly, stun grenades was also noted as police worked to restore order.
“In Samsherganj’s Ghoshpara area, our team was attacked with petrol bombs, lathis and stones, our cars were attacked. The situation remains tense, and people are scared, but currently it is under our control. Yesterday, many areas were in a tense state, but today, the situation has improved. We hope that with everyone’s efforts, normalcy will be restored soon,” BSF DIG Nilotpal Kumar Pandey told the media on Sunday.
