Malda, April 18, 2025 – West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose flew to Malda Friday to meet victims of Murshidabad’s Waqf Act protests, defying Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s plea to delay amid tense calm. The clashes, sparked by Waqf land surveys, killed three, injured 12, and displaced 50 since April 9, with 150 arrested for stone-pelting and arson (Times of India). Bose, landing at 10 AM, called the violence “a blot on Bengal’s soul” (The Indian Express).
Mamata, in a Wednesday letter, urged Bose to wait, citing “sensitive ground conditions” and ongoing probes (The Hindu). “I’m not a bystander—victims need me,” Bose told reporters, visiting Malda’s hospital to meet eight injured, including two cops (NDTV). His chopper tour covered Murshidabad’s razed shops—1,200 acres are at stake (The Economic Times). TMC’s Firhad Hakim slammed it as “stunt politics,” alleging Bose fuels unrest (Business Standard). X erupts—“Bose stands tall!” vs. “He’s poking the fire!” (post:1).
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, adding non-Muslims to boards, has Bengal’s 27% Muslim voters—2.7 crore—on edge for 2026 (ECI). Yogi Adityanath’s “danda” jab at Mamata didn’t help—2024 saw 42 riot deaths (NCRB). Bose, ex-IAS, met 20 displaced families, promising aid—Rs 2 lakh per victim (India Today). “Law must rule, not mobs,” he said, eyeing Waqf’s Rs 12,000 crore assets (The Hindu). Mamata’s 2024 rally bans—15 in Murshidabad—signal tight control (Deccan Herald).
For India’s 90 crore voters, it’s a federal flashpoint—governor versus CM, faith versus reform. Will Bose’s visit heal or ignite Bengal?
