Yogi Adityanath on West Bengal violence: Learn from UP, ‘lathi’ only treatment for rioters

HARDOI: Launching a scathing attack on his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee over the violence during protests in Murshidabad against the waqf law, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said "Bengal is burning" but its chief minister is "silent" and even calling the rioters "messengers of peace".
Speaking in Hardoi at the inauguration and foundation-laying ceremony of 729 development projects worth Rs 650 crore, Yogi accused Mamata of encouraging communal unrest under the guise of secularism. "She has given rioters a free license in the name of secularism," he said.
Yogi's remarks came after violent protests erupted on Friday and Saturday in pockets of Murshidabad, including Suti, Dhulian and Jangipur, triggered by anger over the waqf law. The demonstrations soon escalated into riots, leaving at least three people dead and several injured.
Yogi compared Bengal's current law and order to pre-2017 Uttar Pradesh, asserting that only firm action —'lathi'— can curb rioters, not words.
"Before 2017, UP was plagued by frequent riots. We restored law and order because rioters only understand one language — that of 'lathi'. Mere words won't stop them," he underlined.
He alleged that similar unchecked violence is now unfolding in West Bengal, where the administration has chosen silence. "Bengal is burning, but its chief minister calls rioters messengers of peace," he said.
"Such elements can't be controlled with words. In the name of secularism, she has given them a free license to create chaos. Murshidabad has been burning for a week, yet the state govt remains mute," Yogi said.
CM Yogi also lauded the judiciary for stepping in and deploying central forces to protect minority Hindu communities in Bengal. "We are thankful to the honourable court for intervening and ensuring the safety of innocent citizens," he added.
He further criticised the silence of opposition parties on Murshidabad violence, stating, "The Congress, Samajwadi Party, and TMC have all remained silent. Instead of condemning the violence, they're offering veiled support. Anyone glorifying what happened in Bangladesh should simply go there. Why be a burden on India's soil?"
During the event, the CM paid floral tribute to the Vijay Diwas of 1857 freedom fighter Raja Narpati Singh Raikwar, the legendary hero of India's first battle for independence. He highlighted the importance of the historical site and the legacy of Raja Narpati Singh's land and fort, which hold a special place in the nearby districts.
He also extended his gratitude to defence minister Rajnath Singh, who was the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh when the memorial was developed. Yogi described the monument as a "pilgrimage site of modern India" and said that the entire Hardoi district is being transformed to reflect the vision of a modern and developed India.