CM Yogi Adityanath Condemns West Bengal Violence, Calls for Strict Action Against Rioters:

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has commented on the violence in West Bengal, saying enforcing order is the only way to stop riotous behavior. While addressing a development program in Hardoi district, he lamented the occurrence of lawlessness in Bengal and the perceived lethargy of the state government.

“Stern words are lost on those who have been slapped. It is only the language of brutality which riles the rioters,” CM Yogi articulated while making an address.

He drew a parallel with Bengal and Uttar Pradesh before 2017, stating that the rampant riots his state witnessed needed to be brought under control—and those measures were desperately required in Bengal.

Criticism of Bengal Leadership and Opposition Silence

While without mentioning her directly, he lambasted the chief minister of West Bengal.

“Look at this, Bengal is burning and the head is totally non-reactive. She is calling the rioters peace ambassadors. Such a level of rule-less needs to be curtailed.”

He also attacked other regional national parties like Congress and the Samajwadi Party for not expressing concern over the matter.

Yogi also mentioned the alleged backing from some political groups for the actions regarding Bangladesh when he said:

"If they love Bangladesh so much let them go there. What is the burden doing here on the Indian soil?"

He thanked the judiciary for asking the central government to provide to the affected citizens central forces in the regions above.

Background: What transpired in West Bengal?

The riots started from Murshidabad where some Muslim groups protests over the Waqf Act were violent. Reportedly, some rioters broke into a house and murdered a father and a son who were idol makers. In the course of the firing, a young woman also lost her life. In the entire episode there have been three fatalities and fifteen policemen have been wounded.

Central forces have been sent to Murshidabad as reinforcements.

There was also a flare-up of violence in South 24 Parganas where Indian Secular Front (ISF) fought with some police in Bhangar region. There is an allegation by rioters setting alight police cars and some motorbikes.