Banerjee specifically accuses the BJP of starting the Raghunathganj riot and blames officers who had been transferred before the election for making the violence happen. She said this at a meeting in Paschim Bardhaman, while discussing the West Bengal 2026 election and how law and order are so important in it.
Background of the Raghunathganj riot
Fighting broke out in Raghunathganj, Murshidabad during Ram Navami processions in three places, Jangipur and Sisatala among them. What started as a throwing of rocks turned into destroying property, stealing, and setting things on fire, and many people were hurt, with many stores ruined or burned down.
Police say the problems began when a large procession on its way to Mackenzie Park was stopped, and this led to arguments that quickly became violent. Problems between people in the area, a disagreement about music in Sisatala and fighting near the Phultala Crossing, quickly made the unrest spread throughout the whole area.
Mamata Banerjee’s accusations and statements
At the public meeting, Mamata Banerjee directly criticized her opponents, stating she shouldn’t be blamed, that all her power had been taken from her, and all the officers had been moved. She said the transferred officers started the violence in Raghunathganj and said those who did the damage will be held responsible.
Banerjee also talked about how important it is for different religious groups to get along, saying her party celebrates many festivals of different religions. She repeated that leaders and supporters celebrate Ram Navami, Durga Puja, Chhath, Christmas, Eid, all together; this emphasizes that her party is for everyone before the election.
Security measures and administrative response
After the violence, the government sent in central forces and more police to bring back order. They marched through the neighborhoods that were affected and kept a close watch on things to stop any new fighting and to show people they are safe.
In Raghunathganj, officials put Section 144 in place which limits gatherings of people and reduces the chance of the situation getting worse. The police and security forces say things are now under control, but they continue to watch areas that could cause trouble and are asking people in the area to help keep things calm.
Political reactions and election context for West Bengal election 2026
Because the violence happened when it did, reactions from politicians are even stronger as the state prepares for the election in April. Opposition leaders think the unrest was planned, and local officials are asking everyone to stay calm and for things to get back to normal in the district quickly.
There are 294 seats in the state assembly, and how well the government is seen to be working and how safe people feel will likely be major parts of the election. Changes in the police and decisions made by the Election Commission are now the main point of attention in an election where people’s faith in official organizations will affect how they vote.
Implications for law and order and the campaign trail
The Raghunathganj event makes people question whether the government is being fair to everyone, how well crowds are managed, and if the government can prevent arguments between religious groups during festivals. Politicians will use this event to make their own arguments, and it’s important that they communicate clearly and do open investigations to seem trustworthy.
For people voting, the riot might make them worry about being safe and how well the government is working as the parties try to explain what they will do to keep order. Officials have said they will investigate and hold people accountable, but how the unrest in Murshidabad is handled will continue to be a test for those in power and a topic of discussion before the West Bengal election in and around 2026.
