BJP to observe Shahid Diwas on April 16 over Murshidabad violence

Amid ongoing tensions in West Bengal following the violent protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, the BJP has launched a strong attack on the Mamata Banerjee-led state government. The party has announced that it will observe April 16 as Shahid Diwas (Martyrs Day) to honor the three people who were allegedly killed in Murshidabad during the unrest.

Condemning the violence, BJP leaders claimed that the victims were Hindus targeted during communal clashes, and blamed the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for allowing such lawlessness through its appeasement politics. As a form of protest, BJP members will wear black armbands on April 16 to express their grief and anger over the deaths.

Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari also made a public appeal to the Border Security Force (BSF), as well as the state and district police, to protect those displaced by the violence. “I urge the Central Paramilitary Forces deployed in the District, the State Police, and the district administration to ensure the safe return of these displaced Hindus & protect their lives from this jihadist terror,” he wrote on social media.

Adhikari went further in his criticism, alleging that the social fabric of Bengal was being torn apart. “Bengal is burning. The social fabric is torn. Enough is enough,” he declared, holding the TMC government responsible for the ongoing unrest.

The violence reportedly erupted on Friday night in Murshidabad during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Several vehicles were torched, and multiple people were injured. The West Bengal Police confirmed that three people had lost their lives but stated that the situation is now under control.

BJP continues to hold the state government accountable for the breakdown of law and order. “Religious persecution in Bengal is real,” Adhikari said, adding, “Hindus are being hunted, our people are running for their lives in their land! Shame on the State Govt for allowing this breakdown of law & order.”