The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is sharply criticizing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for allegedly celebrating individuals accused of attacking the Block Development Office (BDO) in Farakka, Murshidabad. The BJP contends that this action by the TMC is an endorsement of violence and further evidence of the breakdown of law and order in West Bengal.

The incident in question occurred on January 14, 2026, when a mob, allegedly led by TMC MLA Monirul Islam, stormed the BDO's office. The protesters claimed they were demonstrating against the harassment of citizens during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The situation escalated, resulting in vandalism of the premises and the disruption of voter list hearings. Following the attack, 55 micro-observers withdrew from SIR duties, citing security concerns. Two arrests have been made, and an FIR has been filed under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act.

The BJP has responded strongly, with leaders accusing the TMC of instigating violence and creating a climate of fear. BJP MLA Gouri Sankar accused TMC Farakka MLA Manirul Islam of leading the vandalism. Sankar also criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly encouraging her party members to engage in riots and violence across the state. Amit Malviya, head of the BJP IT Cell, described the attack as a "murderous" assault on constitutional officials and held Banerjee responsible for the breakdown of law and order.

The BJP is demanding the deployment of central paramilitary forces to oversee the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, citing a complete collapse of law and order. They have urged the Election Commission to take cognizance of the incident and ensure accountability. The party views the incident as a state-sponsored attempt to undermine the transparency of the electoral process.

Adding to the controversy, reports have emerged that the TMC felicitated those accused of involvement in the Farakka BDO office attack. This action has drawn further condemnation from the BJP, who see it as a blatant endorsement of violence. The BJP argues that by welcoming the accused, the TMC is incentivizing further acts of aggression and creating a dangerous environment in the state.

The incident and its aftermath occur against the backdrop of concerns regarding the SIR process in West Bengal. In a separate incident, a tribal man allegedly died by suicide due to anxiety over the SIR. The TMC has accused the Election Commission of creating fear through the SIR process, while the BJP has not responded to the allegation.