TMC’s Threat Culture:: VHP Files FIR Against Mamata Banerjee Over Remarks Allegedly Instilling Fear of Attacks on Hindus by Muslims.

Abhisek Sharma | HENB | Rampurhat | March 26, 2026::  In a development that has intensified political tensions in West Bengal, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the Rampurhat Police Station. The complaint alleges that the Chief Minister made remarks that created fear among Hindus by implying possible attacks from members of another community.

Amiya Sarkar, Secretary of VHP’s Eastern Region, lodged the complaint, accusing Banerjee of issuing what he described as an “open threat” in a recent public address. According to Sarkar, the remarks were “veiled in nature but capable of instilling panic and insecurity among Hindus across the state.”

Controversial Statement Sparks Row

The controversy stems from a speech by Banerjee at a recent programme, where she said:

“We are here, that’s why all of you are safe. If we were not here, if the situation may be, a certain community would gather and surround you and finish you off in one second.”

Critics allege that through this statement, the Chief Minister hinted at a possible attack on Hindus by Muslims without explicitly naming any community, thereby giving the remark a veiled but serious communal connotation.

A video of the statement has since gone viral on social media, triggering sharp reactions from political parties and civil society groups. Critics have termed the remark as “provocative,” while supporters argue it was taken out of context.

So far, neither the All India Trinamool Congress nor the Chief Minister’s office has issued an official response to the FIR.

FIR Filing and VHP’s Stand

Speaking to local media- Jangipur News Live, Sarkar stated that despite filing the complaint at Rampurhat Police Station, he was not provided an official receipt. He further claimed to have submitted the complaint through online channels to ensure formal registration.

Sarkar also announced that VHP workers plan to file similar FIRs across multiple police stations in West Bengal, alleging that such statements by a sitting Chief Minister could aggravate communal tensions, particularly in the run-up to the state assembly elections.

Political Reactions and Broader Context

The incident has added fuel to an already charged political atmosphere in the state. Observers note that communal rhetoric and accusations have increasingly dominated public discourse as elections approach.

The controversy has also revived discussions around past incidents of communal and political violence in West Bengal, including:

• The 2016 Dhulagarh riots
• The 2016 Kaliachak unrest
• The 2017 Basirhat violence
• The 2021 post-poll violence following assembly elections
• Clashes during Ram Navami processions in 2023
• The Sandeshkhali communal clashes in 2024
• Reported communal tensions in Murshidabad and Malda in 2025

These incidents continue to be cited by various groups to support competing narratives on law and order and community relations in the state.

Allegations of Minority Appeasement

Critics of the ruling All India Trinamool Congress have also alleged that what they describe as “rampant minority appeasement,” particularly toward sections of the Muslim community, has led to growing resentment among sections of the Hindu majority population in the state. The party, however, has consistently maintained that its policies are aimed at inclusive development and welfare for all communities.

Additional Controversies

Separately, former Trinamool Congress leader Humayun Kabir has also drawn criticism over a series of controversial remarks and actions. In one widely circulated statement, Kabir said:

“You are 30% (Hindus), we are 70% (Muslims). If you think you can demolish mosques and Muslims will sit back and relax, then you are mistaken. If I cannot drown you (Hindus) in the Bhagirathi river within two hours, I will leave politics.”

The remarks triggered sharp reactions across political and social circles for their inflammatory tone. Kabir has also been accused by critics of attempting to construct a structure referred to as a “Babri Mosque” in the Beldanga area of Murshidabad, a move that has further heightened tensions in the region. Following these developments, he was expelled from the party and has since floated a new political outfit Janata Unnyan Party, exploring alliances with AIMIM (All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen) ahead of the elections.

Possible Election Commission Scrutiny

With the declaration of elections and the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), political observers point out that statements with communal undertones by public representatives—including a sitting Chief Minister—could invite scrutiny or even strictures from the Election Commission of India if found in violation of electoral guidelines.

Rising Political Stakes

Political analysts suggest that such developments highlight the growing polarization in West Bengal’s political landscape. With elections approaching, both rhetoric and legal actions are expected to intensify.

While the VHP has positioned its move as an effort to “prevent communal escalation,” critics argue that the issue risks further deepening divides unless addressed responsibly by all stakeholders.

As of now, it remains to be seen whether the police will formally register the FIR and what legal or political consequences may follow.
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__Agency Inputs.