On a recent episode of Newslaundry’s podcast, journalist Nirmalya, a columnist from Kolkata, stirred controversy with his analysis of the communal violence in Murshidabad. His remarks, which appeared to justify the Islamist-led attacks by framing Hindus as “provocators,” drew sharp criticism from listeners and commentators alike.
Violence In Murshidabad: A Clash Or One-Sided Pogrom?
The discussion began with host Abhinandan Sekhri of leftist portal Newslaundry seeking clarity on the ongoing violence in Murshidabad, where Hindu families have been forced to flee after targeted attacks by Muslim mobs. ‘Legacy media’ reports according to Newslaundry founder Abhinandan Sekhri, along with viral videos, show homes burned, temples vandalized, and ‘at least two Hindu men’ brutally lynched. However, Nirmalya downplayed the severity of the situation, arguing, “Suppose I’m living with you, you live next door to me suddenly one morning I come up and I kill you, so unless there is a provocation this never happens with certain interest and that provocation could be a state provocation, could be an international provocation and that the provocateurs are successful that they have been able to titillate these idiotic foolish political parties who do play religious games for their own benefit.”
When pressed on whether Hindus were truly the instigators, he avoided direct condemnation of the Islamist violence, instead suggesting that political forces—particularly the BJP—had inflamed tensions. He said, “In Bengal this thing has emerged mostly in Bengal after BJP retained its almost 40% vote in two consecutive elections in 2021 and again in 2024, they were of almost 40% in 2019.”
Mamata Banerjee’s Role: Justification or Diversion?
Nirmalya defended Mamata Banerjee’s handling of the crisis, despite her administration’s failure to prevent the violence and her subsequent attempts to shift blame—first to Congress, then to the BSF, and finally to “Bangladeshi infiltrators.”
“Mamata is a very smart politician,” he said, “she immediately diverts things… she can even go to the moon if required.”
Critics argue that this deflection is a deliberate strategy to avoid accountability. Banerjee’s recent meeting with Muslim clerics, where she focused on attacking the BJP rather than addressing the victims, further reinforced accusations of appeasement politics.
Hindu Exodus: Media Blackout or Political Narrative?
When NL pointed out reports of Hindus fleeing their villages due to threats, Nirmalya dismissed the claims stating, “No, no, no, that’s a wrong view.”
Who is this taklu assh🕳le? Just listen to him justify lynching of a neighbour because of a political provocation
“I am you neighbour, suddenly one morning I come & ki!l you, that never happens unless there is a provocation”
Seriously? So if there is a provocation the aggressor… pic.twitter.com/1V1r6rOgJm
— Sameer (@BesuraTaansane) April 20, 2025
This denial clashes with ground reports and survivor testimonies documenting systematic intimidation. Analysts note that under previous Left and Congress regimes, such incidents were suppressed as “clashes between miscreants,” but the scale of violence in Murshidabad—and its overtly communal nature—has made suppression impossible.
Elections & Polarization: A Deliberate Strategy?
With elections 10 months away, Nirmalya acknowledged that Bengal’s politics is now irrevocably polarized, “BJP is considered a Hindu party, and Mamata does Muslim politics… all four major parties in Bengal are, at their base, religious parties.”
However, his suggestion that Hindu consolidation—a reaction to Islamist aggression—is the “biggest curse” for Bengal drew ire. Critics argue that such framing ignores the reality of Muslim vote-bank politics, where Mamata’s welfare schemes (like Lakshmir Bhandar) and overt minority appeasement have cemented her support base.
A Dangerous Normalization of Violence?
Nirmalya’s remarks reflect a broader media tendency to rationalize Islamist violence by invoking “provocation” while ignoring state complicity. His claim that “Murshidabad is just the tip of the iceberg” suggests more unrest is likely as elections approach—with Hindus potentially facing further scapegoating.
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