By Team Clarion
KOLKATA — A major political row has erupted in West Bengal after Union Home Minister Amit Shah referred to “love jihad” and “land jihad” during an election rally, triggering strong reactions from opposition parties and members of the Muslim community.
The remarks came ahead of the two-phase state assembly elections on 23 and 29 April, adding fresh tension to an already heated campaign.
Addressing a public meeting in Saptagram, Amit Shah said that if the Bharatiya Janata Party comes to power in West Bengal, such issues would be brought to an end after 4 May.
“Once the BJP forms the government, ‘love jihad’ and ‘land jihad’ will stop,” he told the gathering, while also criticising the ruling Trinamool Congress led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
However, his statement has led to questions, with critics asking what evidence supports such claims. Political opponents say no clear data, studies, or official records were cited to back the allegations.
A spokesperson from the opposition said, “Such terms are often used during elections without proof. They create fear and target a particular community.”
Leaders from Muslim organisations have also expressed concern, saying the repeated use of such language affects how the community is seen in public.
A community representative said, “Words like these link crime with a religion without evidence. This creates misunderstanding and anxiety among ordinary people.”
Another resident from Kolkata said, “We are citizens like anyone else. During elections, such statements make people feel uneasy.”
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.