West Bengal’s descent into recurring communal violence under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s administration reveals a disturbing pattern when examined chronologically. This timeline analysis connects the dots between policy decisions, inflammatory rhetoric, and outbreaks of violence from 2017 to 2025, demonstrating how political posturing often preceded unrest.

Let us first take a look at 5 major incidents of unrest in the Mamata regime.

#1 Murshidabad Violence (April 2025)

In April 2025, Murshidabad became the epicenter of violent protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The unrest led to the destruction of over 200 Hindu homes and numerous vehicles. More than 500 Hindus reportedly fled the area, and 15 policemen sustained injuries. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the violence as “pre-planned,” attributing it to certain factions within the BJP, Border Security Force (BSF), and central agencies. In response, the Calcutta High Court directed the deployment of central forces to restore order.

#2 Anti-CAA Protests In West Bengal (2019)

After the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was passed in December 2019, large-scale protests broke out across West Bengal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led rallies, declaring that neither the CAA nor NRC would be allowed in the state. The protests turned violent in several districts, prompting the suspension of internet services in six areas. The Calcutta High Court ordered the state government to submit a report on the law and order situation. Despite unrest, Mamata remained defiant, calling the CAA discriminatory and unconstitutional, and continued to mobilize public opposition through mass demonstrations and political rhetoric.

#3 Howrah Ram Navami Clashes (2023)

In March 2023, violence broke out during a Ram Navami procession in Howrah, involving stone-pelting, arson, and armed participants. Vehicles were torched, and police deployment intensified. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the violence, blaming right-wing groups for inciting riots by deviating from approved routes and entering Muslim-majority areas during Ramzan. She questioned the use of swords and bulldozers in the rally and warned of strict action against conspirators. Mamata maintained that rallies were not banned but must avoid provocative routes. She accused the organisers of deliberately targeting communities and pledged not to spare those responsible for the unrest.

#4 Asansol Riots and Rise in Communal Clashes (2018)

In March 2018, violent clashes erupted during Ram Navami celebrations in Asansol, leading to five deaths and widespread unrest. Internet services were suspended, and Section 144 was imposed. The NHRC and Centre sought reports on the state government’s response. Mamata Banerjee’s administration faced criticism for poor handling and inadequate relief. The BJP blamed her appeasement policies, while she accused the BJP of inciting violence. Union Home Ministry data showed a steady rise in communal violence in Bengal since 2015, with 58 incidents and 9 deaths in 2017 alone, highlighting worsening communal tensions under Mamata’s rule despite national comparisons.

#5 Basirhat Riots (2017): Mishandling and Appeasement Politics

In July 2017, communal riots broke out in Basirhat, West Bengal, over an objectionable Facebook post by a teenager. The violence led to arson, attacks on police stations, and destruction of property. The Mamata Banerjee government faced criticism for its poor handling and alleged appeasement of Muslims. Internet services were suspended, and central forces were deployed late. One person died, and public transport was disrupted. Opposition parties, including BJP and CPM, accused Mamata of prioritizing vote-bank politics over law and order. The incident highlighted a surge in communal clashes under her second term, amid rising dissatisfaction over corruption and governance failures.

Anti-India Stance

Let us take a look at the anti-India stance of Mamata Banerjee.

#1 Mamata’s Stance on Bangladesh Raises Infiltration Concerns

On 21 July 2024, at a Trinamool Congress ‘Martyrs’ Day’ rally, Mamata Banerjee offered to shelter victims of violence-hit Bangladesh, citing UN refugee norms. Critics argue this stance has weakened border control, enabling illegal infiltration by Bangladeshi Muslims into border districts like Malda, Murshidabad, and Cooch Behar, altering local demographics. Mamata also pledged support to Bengal residents with affected relatives in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, she targeted the BJP-led Centre, predicting its downfall. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav echoed this sentiment at the rally, applauding Bengal’s resistance to BJP dominance and hinting at a broader political shift against the ruling party.

#2 Against CAA, NRC, and UCC, Vows To Block Them In Bengal

On 11 April 2024, during an Eid-ul-Fitr gathering in Kolkata, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared strong opposition to the CAA, NRC, and UCC, stating they would not be implemented in the state. She asserted, “We are ready to shed blood for the country but won’t tolerate tyranny,” emphasizing harmony among religions and people’s safety. Criticizing the BJP for misusing central agencies like the NIA, she warned against communal provocation. Mamata extended Eid greetings, calling it a festival of peace and strength.

#3 Supported Rohingya Refugees, Opposed Centre’s Deportation Plan

On 15 September 2017, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee backed Rohingya refugees, asserting they are common people, not terrorists. Aligning with the UN’s humanitarian appeal, she criticized the Modi government’s plan to deport 40,000 Rohingyas, emphasizing compassion over security fears. Mamata tweeted, “All commoners are not terrorists. We are really concerned.” Her government also supported issuing UNHCR identity cards to Rohingya children in juvenile homes. This stance came amid Centre-issued advisories warning states about illegal migrants, and growing protests in Kolkata demanding shelter for Rohingyas while condemning the Centre’s bias toward Hindu over Muslim refugees.

Anti-Waqf Act Protests

Let us now take a look at Mamata’s and the TMC’s history of provocation and how they instigated people into riots. First, we look at the provocations for anti-Waqf Amendment protests.

#1 Murshidabad Violence “Pre-Planned”

In April 2025, amid rising communal violence during Ram Navami celebrations in Murshidabad, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee deflected responsibility for the unrest, instead blaming it on a “pre-planned” conspiracy. She accused factions within the BJP, the Border Security Force (BSF), and central agencies of inciting tensions and enabling cross-border movements from Bangladesh. Despite the worsening law and order situation, Banerjee chose to shift blame rather than address the violence directly.

Mamata Banerjee Meets Clerics, Slams Centre Over Waqf Law and Riots

On 16 April 2025, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee met Muslim clerics to oppose the new Waqf law, accusing the BJP of bypassing constitutional procedure by passing it with a simple majority. Calling the riots pre-planned , she blamed BJP-linked media for spreading fake videos. Denying TMC’s role in the violence, she criticized NDA allies Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu for their silence. Mamata alleged BJP aims to polarize Bengal, citing food bans in Bengali areas of Delhi, and warned that the UCC is next. She urged INDIA bloc unity against what she called BJP’s anti-Muslim agenda.

#2 TMC MP Bapi Halder’s Violent Threat Amid Waqf Protests Sparks Outrage

Amid Waqf Amendment Act protests in Murshidabad, a video of TMC MP Bapi Halder threatening to “gouge out eyes and break limbs” went viral, sparking political uproar. BJP’s Sukanta Majumdar slammed the Mamata Banerjee-led government for inaction, alleging the remarks targeted Hindus and encouraged fundamentalist violence.

The fanatical, fundamentalist jihadi groups who, under the pretense of protesting against the Waqf Amendment Act, are continuously attempting to erase the existence of Hindus and are even throwing petrol bombs at the @BSF_India jawans—who is directly supporting them? This… pic.twitter.com/HZ5oiSWqIF

— Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (@DrSukantaBJP) April 13, 2025

At least three people died and hundreds fled to Malda amid the unrest. While 180 arrests were made, TMC has remained silent on Halder’s comments. BJP leaders accused the state administration of shielding violent elements, as communal tensions and calls for accountability escalate ahead of elections.

#3 TMC Minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury Threatens Traffic Siege Over Waqf Bill

On 10 April 2025, TMC Minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury threatened to mobilize 10,000 people at 50 locations in Kolkata to block traffic if the Waqf Amendment Act is not withdrawn. Speaking at a rally organized by Jamiat-e-Ulema Hind, Chowdhury demanded the immediate withdrawal of the legislation and emphasized that protests would escalate in West Bengal. He claimed that the TMC government provides safety to Muslims, accusing the BJP of targeting the community. Chowdhury also stated that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assured the Act would not be implemented in the state and urged peaceful protests.

#4 Mamata Banerjee Asserts Waqf Act Won’t Apply in Bengal

On 9 April 2025, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the Waqf (Amendment) Act would not be implemented in the state. Speaking at a Jain community event in Kolkata, she assured minorities that their rights and properties would be protected. Banerjee urged people not to be provoked into political movements, emphasizing unity and peaceful coexistence. Referring to the unrest in Murshidabad and the impact of the Waqf Act, she vowed to protect Bengal’s 33% minority population, calling for solidarity and trust.

#5 Waqf Bill Brought To Divide Country, Mamata Banerjee Vows to Nullify Waqf Bill After New Government Takes Office

On 3 April 2025, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee condemned the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, claiming it was designed by the BJP to divide the country. She pledged that once a new government is formed, her administration would bring amendments to nullify the bill. Banerjee criticized the BJP’s divisive agenda and called for protests against the bill. Muslim organizations and civil society groups in Kolkata planned peaceful demonstrations, with the All India Muslim Personal Law Board vowing to launch a nationwide campaign against the “black law,” accusing the government of ‘oppressing Muslims’.

#6 TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee Calls Waqf Bill Unconstitutional in Parliament

On 2 April 2025, Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee strongly opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of Muslim rights under Article 26. He argued the bill attacks the community’s right to manage religious affairs, divides Waqf boards by sects, and removes safeguards for property disputes. Banerjee claimed Parliament lacks authority to legislate on state-controlled Waqf matters and accused the government of aiming to seize Waqf properties and deepen Hindu-Muslim divisions. He labeled the bill “misconceived, irrational, and arbitrary,” and vowed that TMC would vote against it.

Anti-CAA Riots

The provocation and riots are not happening for the first time. When the CAB was announced, similar riots broke out in West Bengal.

In December 2019, violent protests erupted across West Bengal, with Murshidabad district witnessing some of the worst unrest. Protesters set fire to railway stations and trains, and vandalized public property. The West Bengal Police faced criticism for failing to respond swiftly and effectively, allowing the violence to spiral out of control.

#1 TMC MP Mamata Thakur Slammed CAA Citizenship Process As ‘Dehumanising’

In August 2024, Trinamool MP Mamata Thakur criticized the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the Rajya Sabha, calling its citizenship process “degrading” and “immensely dehumanising.” Representing the Matua community, she condemned the requirement for ancestral documents and the threat of detention camps for those unable to comply. Thakur argued that forcing longtime residents to renounce Indian citizenship and reapply was unjust. Citing Olympic unity, she urged for unconditional citizenship, free from religious, linguistic, or caste-based discrimination. Her remarks drew strong protests from the treasury benches but highlighted deep concerns within her community.

#2 TMC Leader Abhishek Banerjee Accused BJP Of Branding Migrants As Bangladeshis Via CAA

At a rally in Ranaghat, Nadia in April 2024, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee alleged that the BJP is using the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to label Bengali Hindu migrants as Bangladeshis, even those who are already Indian citizens. He warned that applying for CAA citizenship could delegitimize genuine citizens. Banerjee criticized the NDA for being anti-Matua and accused the Centre of withholding MGNREGA funds and suppressing dissent. He also condemned the BJP’s “one nation, one election” plan as a threat to democratic rights and challenged BJP leaders to apply for citizenship under the CAA themselves.

#3 TMC Leader Majid Memon Makes ‘Hindu Terrorist’ Remark On CAA

On 14 March 2024, TMC leader Majid Memon made a controversial statement while criticizing the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Speaking to India TV, Memon questioned the law’s exclusion of Muslims, asking, “What kind of law is this that you will take in a Hindu terrorist and not a holy Muslim religious leader?” He later clarified he was contrasting a dishonest Hindu with a pious Muslim. Memon also called Indians “half-naked, homeless, unemployed” and argued the government was burdening itself further by accepting more people through CAA.

#4 Mamata Banerjee Claims CAA Turns Citizens into Refugees

On 12 March 2024, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee alleged that applying through the CAA portal strips individuals of citizenship and makes them refugees. She accused the Centre of using CAA to take away rights, not grant them, and warned of detention camps and future NRC implementation. Mamata raised concerns over property, jobs, and education becoming “illegal” and called the CAA rules “bluff.” While she opposed any NRC or detention camps in Bengal, Matua community members welcomed the CAA rules.

#5 Mamata Banerjee Said TMC Will Oppose CAA if Rights Are Infringed

On 11 March 2024, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee stated that the Trinamool Congress will oppose the CAA if it infringes on citizens’ rights. Calling it potential “election publicity” by BJP, she said protests would follow if there’s any attempt to deprive people or create disparity. Banerjee added she would study the newly released rules before making detailed comments.

#6 TMC’s Partha Chatterjee Vows to Fight CAA

On 19 January 2020, TMC leader Partha Chatterjee declared the party’s readiness to fight against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), stating they are actively reaching out to the public. In a press conference, he criticized Congress leaders Kapil Sibal and Salman Khurshid for suggesting states can’t legally oppose CAA and urged them to convince their own party members. Chatterjee also slammed BJP’s Dilip Ghosh for insulting intellectuals opposing CAA, including a Nobel laureate. He accused the BJP of ignoring national issues like the economic crisis and farmers’ distress, focusing only on Hindus, unlike TMC’s inclusive approach.

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