In a fiery speech on Tuesday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly allowing communal unrest to escalate in the state under the guise of secularism. Adityanath claimed that Banerjee had given rioters a free hand to create chaos in the name of secularism, and that only firm action, such as the use of the ‘lathi’ (a traditional Indian police baton), could put a stop to the violence.
Speaking at a gathering in Hardoi, Adityanath drew parallels between the situation in Bengal and the state of Uttar Pradesh before 2017, when Adityanath himself took office. He claimed that Uttar Pradesh had been plagued by frequent riots, which were only brought under control through the use of force. Adityanath argued that words alone could not stop rioters, and that only decisive action could restore law and order.
Adityanath went on to criticize the West Bengal government for its alleged inaction in the face of escalating violence. He accused Banerjee of remaining silent while the state burned, and of giving rioters a license to create chaos in the name of secularism. Adityanath specifically pointed to the situation in Murshidabad, where violence had been ongoing for a week without intervention from the state government.
However, Adityanath did commend the judiciary for stepping in to protect the Hindu community in Bengal. He expressed gratitude towards the courts for ensuring the safety of innocent citizens in the midst of the violence. Adityanath also took aim at opposition parties, such as the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and the Trinamool Congress, for allegedly remaining silent on the issue. He accused them of offering veiled support to the rioters, and suggested that those who glorified violence should leave the country.
Overall, Adityanath’s speech highlighted the escalating tensions in West Bengal and the need for decisive action to restore peace and order in the state. He called on the government to take a firm stance against rioters and to ensure the safety of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.
