West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said she has no knowledge about the report submitted by Governor CV Ananda Bose to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) regarding the recent communal violence in Murshidabad district.

The CM, who left for Murshidabad for a two-day visit also stated that she has no idea about the governor’s mention of the possible implementation of Article 356 in the state. Banerjee, who left for Murshidabad on Monday afternoon, said she could have visited the riot-hit district earlier, but chose to wait until the situation had normalised.

Stating that the situation in violence-hit Murshidabad has stabilised, Mamata Banerjee said, “I have no information about Bose’s report to the MHA. The Governor’s health is not okay. Let us pray to God for his speedy recovery.”

Quizzed about why she did not visit the riot-hit district earlier, the chief minister told reporters, “I could have visited Murshidabad earlier, but if there is no peace and stability there, we should not go and disturb. Stability has returned to Murshidabad long back. Today, I am going there.”

Bengal Governor submits report to MHA on Murshidabad, flags radicalisation concerns

Following recent communal disturbances in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, Governor Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose has submitted a comprehensive report to the central Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The report expresses concern that “radicalisation and militancy” represent an escalating danger to the state’s law and order situation.

The Governor contended that the violence seemed “premeditated” and faulted the state administration for inaction despite apparent warning signs. His report also voiced apprehension about the unrest potentially spreading to adjacent districts. It urged the central government to consider “constitutional options” to bring back normalcy and bolster public confidence in the legal system.

The governor also suggested several measures in the aftermath of violence that claimed the lives of at least three people, including a man and his son, and left several injured. The riot occurred amidst anti-Waqf (Amendment) Act protests.

Mention of Article 356 in Governor’s report sparks political row

The Governor’s report generated political friction due to its mention of Article 356, which permits the imposition of President’s Rule. As per this Article, President’s Rule can be imposed if any state fails to comply with all directions given by the Union on matters it is empowered to

Although a senior official clarified that the Governor had not advised its immediate use, referencing this provision as a potential measure drew strong objections from the governing Trinamool Congress (TMC).

TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh described the report as “politically motivated” and akin to fulfilling a “political assignment.” He also questioned the Governor’s silence on the expanded operational zone of the Border Security Force (BSF), now extending 50 km into the state.

Conversely, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) welcomed the Governor’s submission. BJP MP Shamik Bhattacharya stated, “We appreciate the Governor taking the situation seriously. The Centre must now determine the next steps.”

Mamata Banerjee to hold review meeting in Berhampore

Mamata Banerjee is expected to hold a district review meeting in Murshidabad’s district headquarters Berhampore later in the day. “Tomorrow, I will visit violence-hit Dhuliyan and give compensation to people whose houses and shops were damaged,” the CM expressed.

Trinamool stands with Centre on matters of national security: Mamata Banerjee

Mamata Banerjee also stated that her party, the Trinamool Congress, stands with the central government on matters of national security in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. “Our party is with the government on issues related to internal and external security,” she told the media.