West Bengal Industry Minister Dr Shashi Panja recently hit hard on the BJP for allegedly instigating violence in the state. Reports suggest violence had erupted in Howrah and then in Hooghly within days of each other and while speaking on the same, Dr. Panja alleged pre-planning by a certain party to disrupt the peace and harmony of the state. She further condemned the incident and stated that such occurrences have become more common under the tenure of BJP.
Dr. Shashi Panja is an Indian politician who had served as the Minister of State for Woman and Child Development, Social Welfare and Self-Help Group and Micro and Small Scale Enterprises in the Government of West Bengal. She was a member of the TMC (Trinamool Congress) from 2009 to 2021 and is currently a leader in the coalition government formed by TMC, AIFB (All India Forward Bloc) and RSP (Revolutionary Socialist Party).
The BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) is a right-wing nationalist party that is currently the ruling party in India. The party is known for its Hindu nationalist ideology, its strict adherence to the Hindutva (Hindu-ness) and its commitment to implement a social welfare agenda. It is also notable for its active attitude towards wooing the opposition and wining elections. Under the current regime of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the party has expanded its sphere of influence across the country.
The latest incident of violence that was reported in West Bengal is a reminder of the party’s attitude towards disrupting peace. Dr. Shashi Panja further highlighted that the BJP’s ‘Shobha Yatras’ often result in violence and such incidents have increased under the BJP’s rule. It is important to take such incidents seriously and take necessary steps to curb violence wherever it may occur.
