BJP alleges ‘lawlessness’ in West Bengal over Malda incident, calls for CM Mamata Banerjee’s resignation

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday (April 2, 2026) targeted the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal following the Supreme Court’s observations on the forcible confinement of seven judicial officers, who were allegedly kept without food for more than seven hours at a government office in Malda on Wednesday (April 1, 2026).

Terming it an unprecedented episode in the history of Independent India, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said “jungle raj” was prevailing in the State under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

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At a press conference, he said the Supreme Court — through its stern remarks — held a mirror up to Ms. Banerjee and her government.

“No one could have imagined that lawlessness under Mamata Banerjee’s government would escalate to such an extent that Trinamool supporters would actually take judicial officers hostage… Mamata Banerjee, who took an oath under the Constitution to uphold and protect the rule of law, is facilitating the hostage-taking of the very judicial officers who are complying with the Supreme Court’s orders and carrying out the SIR (special intensive revision) process,” alleged Mr. Bhatia.

“The matter becomes even more grave in view of the actions taken by the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice, who telephoned the District Magistrate and the Senior Superintendent of Police after he came to know about the incident. However, no action was taken on the ground. The Chief Justice had to summon the Director-General of Police and the Home Secretary to ensure the safety of the judicial officers,” he said.

Mr. Bhatia said after the judicial officers were able to leave the place late at night, stones were thrown on their vehicles.

He alleged that Ms. Banerjee was opposing the SIR process as the Rohingyas were her priority . “If you are incapable of maintaining law and order, then it would be in the best interest of West Bengal for you to resign,” he said.

He added that people had decided to oust her in the elections and that the BJP would form the government in West Bengal.