Malda unrest: TMC accuses BJP of role and disputes Narendra Modi remarks on women’s safety

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused the BJP of involvement in unrest in West Bengal’s Malda district, where judicial officers were recently gheraoed. The party also rejected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign claims on law and order and women’s safety, as assembly election messaging sharpens between the two sides.

The Trinamool Congress on Sunday blamed the BJP for unrest in West Bengal’s Malda district. Several judicial officers were recently gheraoed during scrutiny of under-adjudication voters there. The ruling party also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of spreading untruths on women’s safety in the state.

The TMC’s response followed Modi’s campaign remarks that highlighted the Malda gherao. Modi presented the incident as proof of alleged lawlessness in West Bengal. Modi also described the Assembly election as a contest between "bhay\" and the BJP’s \"bharosa\".

Malda gherao and BJP role allegation

TMC MP Kirti Azad posted a statement on X targeting Modi’s comments. Azad alleged that BJP-linked groups helped trigger the Malda violence. The statement said, \"Modi ji should stop lying…we exposed how your B and C teams were involved in Malda violence. From police observer to AIMIM leader - you deployed your entire machinery to create unrest here, and today you are lecturing.\"

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar rejected the TMC’s charge on Malda. Majumdar said Modi signalled action after the results on May 4. Majumdar also spoke of ending threats and disorder. Majumdar said, \"There will be no politics of intimidation, no more anarchy or lawlessness. This time, West Bengal will see justice, rule of law and a secure future,\" and cited Modi’s message.

Women’s safety charge against Narendra Modi

The TMC also disputed Modi’s remarks about women’s safety in West Bengal. Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghosh criticised the BJP on this issue. Ghosh said, \"We dont need a lecture from a party that is famous for shielding and garlanding rapists.\" The comment came as part of the party’s wider rebuttal of Modi.

BJP campaign points in West Bengal

At Modi’s first election rally in Bengal’s Cooch Behar after the poll schedule announcement, the Malda episode featured prominently. Modi used it to stress the BJP’s claims on worsening law and order. Modi also linked the issue to alleged demographic change. Modi further referred to Sandeshkhali, infiltration from Bangladesh, corruption, and unemployment while attacking the Mamata Banerjee government.

Senior TMC leader and state education minister Bratya Basu added another line of criticism. Basu accused Modi of promoting hostility towards the Bengali language. The exchange reflected rising political tensions as the election campaign widened. Both sides continued to trade charges tied to recent incidents and governance claims.

With inputs from PTI