How Political Rivals Joined Forces to Prevent Communal Unrest in Siliguri
Introduction: An Unlikely Truce in Bengal’s Political War
In a rare moment of agreement, BJP MP Raju Bista publicly praised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for stopping a controversial rally against the Waqf Amendment Act in Siliguri. The rally, planned by Islamist groups, was canceled after government intervention, avoiding potential clashes in a region known for its fragile peace.
Bista, a vocal critic of Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC), called the decision “wise” and thanked the administration for maintaining order. But why did a BJP leader applaud his political rival? The answer reveals a high-stakes game of politics, security, and survival in one of India’s most sensitive border zones.
The Anti-Waqf Rally That Never Happened
Several Muslim groups organized the protest to oppose the Waqf Amendment Act, a new law to increase transparency in managing Islamic charitable properties. Critics claimed the law unfairly targeted Muslim institutions, while the government argued it would help low-income families by reducing corruption.
The rally was set for April 2025 in Siliguri, a city critical to India’s security due to its proximity to the “Chicken Neck”—a narrow strip of land connecting mainland India to the Northeast. Any unrest here could disrupt supply routes and escalate tensions.
Local BJP leaders, including Bista, immediately raised alarms. In a letter to the state government, he warned that “outside forces” could exploit the protest, leading to violence. Within days, the administration convinced organizers to cancel the event.
Why Bista Backed Mamata—A Political Masterstroke?
Bista’s praise for Mamata was unexpected, but experts say it was a calculated move.
- Election Strategy: The BJP is trying to consolidate Hindu and tribal votes in North Bengal ahead of the 2026 state elections. A communal clash could have alienated moderate voters.
- National Security: The Chicken Neck is a lifeline for the Indian military. Instability here would have drawn criticism from New Delhi.
- Local Image: Bista, seeking re-election, needed to show he could keep the peace in Darjeeling, where past unrest over Gorkhaland has hurt development.
Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee also gained from the cancellation. Stopping the rally, she avoided giving the BJP ammunition to accuse her of “minority appeasement” while projecting herself as a leader who maintains law and order.
The Communal Tightrope: Local vs. Outsider Tensions
Siliguri’s Muslim population is small (around 5% in the Darjeeling district), but the region has seen tensions flare before. In 2022, clashes between Hindu and Muslim groups in nearby areas led to curfews.
Bista claimed the rally was driven by “outsiders,” not local Muslims. “Our people want peace,” he said. However, some Muslim leaders accused the government of suppressing legitimate protests.
Fulbari Jama Masjid’s Imam alleged that Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb initially supported the rally but backtracked under pressure. Bista called this the TMC’s “double standard.”
The Waqf Act: Reforms or Political Weapon?
The Waqf Amendment Act, passed in 2023, introduces stricter audits of Waqf properties and mandates women’s representation on Waqf Boards. Supporters say it will help poor Muslims by stopping the misuse of funds.
However, critics argue it gives the government too much control over Muslim institutions. Some fear it could be used to seize properties under the guise of “transparency.”
Bista defended the law, saying, “If anyone has issues, they should go to court, not the streets.”
What This Means for Bengal’s Future
The canceled rally shows how the BJP and TMC try to avoid open conflict before elections. But the peace may not last.
- BJP’s Challenge: Bista must balance his pro-Hindu image with promises to tribal and Gorkha communities demanding separate statehood.
- TMC’s Dilemma: Mamata must keep Muslim voters happy without triggering BJP’s “appeasement” accusations.
- Security Risks: Siliguri’s Chicken Neck could become a flashpoint again if protests resurface.
Conclusion: A Temporary Truce in a Long War
Bengal’s political rivals have put aside their differences to prevent violence. But with elections approaching, the fragile peace could shatter at any time.
As Bista said, “Street power cannot replace the Constitution.” Whether politicians will continue following that principle or return to old division tactics.
