1 day ago
Last Updated:April 18, 2025, 13:31 IST
Mithun Chakraborty to News18: "If things continue this way, we will request the Home Minister to impose President’s Rule. We demand elections under military supervision. From the day elections are announced, there should be full military oversight."
Actor and BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty said the situation in the state was deteriorating rapidly. (PTI File)
Reacting to the recent violence in West Bengal after anti-Waqf bill protests, actor and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Mithun Chakraborty, in an exclusive interview with News18, said the situation in the state was deteriorating rapidly.
He said that if the law and order crisis continued, the state BJP would request Home Minister Amit Shah to impose President’s Rule in West Bengal.
Excerpts from the interview:
The state, in its report to the court, acknowledged that the Bengal violence was a large-scale attack…
Thank God, at least the police have admitted that something actually happened. But the devastation is far worse than people think. This was nothing short of a massacre. Temples have been desecrated. I want to know what those victims had to do with the Waqf Bill. Today, they are homeless and living in relief camps. Bengal is facing one of its worst crises.
The report says the state requested the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), while the Chief Minister blames the Border Security Force (BSF). What do you make of that?
She has nothing else to say. If she claims the BSF has failed, then who was next in line — the police? And what did the police do? Nothing. Were they asleep?
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee calls it a pre-planned communal riot. Your response?
Then ask her — planned by whom? Why would Amit Shah orchestrate this? Why isn’t this happening elsewhere? We are not against the Waqf. All this violence is actually targeting the Waqf. There is a bigger conspiracy here.
Critics say the BJP is trying to polarise voters to come to power.
We don’t want to come to power through polarisation. They are the ones who prevent people from voting. We want a fair election, nothing else. We condemn violence and do not want to gain power through it.
BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari has called Mamata Banerjee anti-national. Your take?
The BSF has protected us. Criticising them is anti-national. It’s a very unfortunate state of affairs.
People are displaced and living in camps. What would you say to them?
I’ve said it before — what is their fault? Their homes have been set on fire. These people never begged before; today they are forced to. Do they deserve this?
Do you support the imposition of President’s Rule?
If things continue this way, we will request the Home Minister to impose President’s Rule. We demand elections under military supervision. From the day elections are announced, there should be full military oversight.
You recently said Hindus will be forced to leave if the BJP doesn’t come to power…
That was a warning signal. The Waqf Bill is not just a domestic issue — it has external influences. There is more to it. Sleeper cells might be active. There is a larger agenda behind this.
Does this situation pose a threat to national security?
Absolutely. It’s very alarming. That’s all I can say for now.
What is the solution, in your opinion?
If the Chief Minister genuinely wants to restore peace, the situation can change in a day.
The Governor and Commission for Women (NCW) have expressed interest in visiting affected areas. The CM says this is not the time. Your view?
This is exactly the time when such visits are needed. The Governor should have gone earlier. People need to feel supported.
Will you visit the affected areas?
I’m ready to go tomorrow, but they won’t allow me.
Any message for the displaced people?
Stay united. Don’t abandon your homes — that’s your land. If you need help, we are here for you.
Location : First Published:April 18, 2025, 13:31 IST
News politics If Bengal’s Law & Order Crisis Continues, Will Request President’s Rule: Actor & BJP Leader Mithun Chakraborty To News
