West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee responded to the ongoing turmoil in Sandeshkhali on Thursday, asserting her commitment to justice while accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of instigating unrest in the region.

Speaking in the state Assembly amidst a walkout staged by the Opposition BJP, Banerjee stated, “I have never supported injustice in my life.” She highlighted swift actions taken by the state government, including the arrest of 17 individuals, in response to the situation in Sandeshkhali, located in North 24 Parganas district.

Banerjee condemned what she described as a “sinister design” by the BJP to fuel trouble in the area, alleging the targeting of local Trinamool leader Sheikh Shahjahan by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Shahjahan, a prominent figure in the region, has been evading authorities following an ED raid on his residence, which was met with resistance from locals.

The Chief Minister pointed to a historical context, mentioning past instances of riots in Sandeshkhali and attributing a role to an RSS presence in the area.

The unrest, now in its eighth consecutive day, has seen a significant involvement of women demonstrators demanding the arrest of TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his associates. Allegations against Sheikh and his followers include land grabbing and sexual harassment.

In response, the BJP has targeted the TMC government over the allegations against Sheikh, while the ruling party has denied the charges, accusing the BJP of attempting to disrupt peace in the region.