Mamata accuses BJP-RSS of ‘divisive politics’

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of "using" Murshidabad violence to "play divisive politics".

In a "peace appeal" letter, she alleged that the BJP and its allies have "become very aggressive" in her state, accusing them of initiating "vicious false campaign" in the state.

Referring to the violence that erupted in the Murshidabad district amid the protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Banerjee said "these forces are using the backdrop of an unfortunate incident that happened on provocation".

She alleged that the BJP and its allies were planning on playing "the divide and rule game", describing it as "sinister". The West Bengal CM assured that criminals involved in communal riots are being dealt with, while urging people to avoid mutual mistrust and distrust.

Further in her letter, she alleged, "They had originally planned to use Ram Navami day for playing with fire, but Ram Navami celebrations in West Bengal have been most peaceful. Then they tried to use some subsequent matters relating to agitations against the Waqf (Amendment) Act."