‘Strict action against those attempting to incite riots,’ says Mamata Banerjee, blaming the BJP for the violence in Howrah

*Paromita Das
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday, blaming it for the violence in the Howrah district.

She stated that those attempting to incite riots will face severe consequences.

“Why should common people suffer because of the BJP’s sin?” the West Bengal chief minister was quoted as saying by PTI. “Some political parties are behind the Howrah violence, and strict action will be taken against those attempting to incite riots,” he added.

Her reaction came just hours after BJP MP Saumitra Khan urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to send central forces to TMC-ruled West Bengal.
Protests against the inflammatory remarks made by suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma have been seen in parts of the Howrah district, particularly in the minority-dominated Uluberia subdivision, since Friday noon.

Meanwhile, the Section 144 CrPC has been extended until June 15 in and around the stretches of National Highways and Railway Stations under the jurisdiction of Uluberia-Sub Division, Howrah.

On Friday evening, internet services were suspended in the Howrah district due to violent protests. According to an order issued by the Home and Hill Affairs Department, internet access will be suspended until 6 a.m. on Monday.