Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], April 18 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Minister Danish Azad Ansari alleged on Friday that the West Bengal government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has failed to maintain law and order in the State.

His criticism came in the wake of violence following protests over the Waqf (amendment) Act in the State.

Speaking to ANI, Ansari said, 'The West Bengal government of Mamata Banerjee has failed to maintain law and order... It is not right for the CM to instigate violence in the state for her personal gains. The law and order situation in West Bengal is a matter of concern for democracy and the Constitution... The entire nation is watching...'

Meanwhile, describing the recent episodes of violence in the Murshidabad and Malda districts of West Bengal as the 'dance of death', WB Governor CV Ananda Bose on Friday strongly condemned the acts, stating that such incidents cannot be tolerated.

Speaking to ANI while en route to meet victims in the violence-affected areas, Bose noted the frequency of violence that had been taking place in various places in the state and that this 'cult of violence' needs to be put in a 'coffin.'

'Violence is showing its ugly head on and off in Bengal in various places. We have to coffin the cult of violence and drive the last nail in the coffin. That is a task which is necessary to maintain peace and tranquillity in Bengal,' Bose said.

'What has happened there (Murshidabad and Malda) is something which should never have happened... The dance of death, if I may say so, that is going on in the streets of Bengal in many places -- this kind of cult of violence can never be tolerated at all,' the West Bengal Governor added.

He stated that all stakeholders must come together to address the situation.

'After visiting the field and sharing the feelings of the people there, I will certainly have a plan of action to take it in a mission mode -- that is, to fight against violence at any cost,' Bose added.

The visit comes in the wake of violence that erupted on April 11 during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which resulted in the deaths of three people, injuries to several others, and widespread property damage. Several families have been displaced, with many migrating to Jharkhand's Pakur district, while others have taken refuge in relief camps set up in Malda.

On Thursday, the Calcutta High Court stated that central forces will remain in Murshidabad for some time to maintain law and order and said that the court will monitor the restoration and rehabilitation of victims.

The court also ordered officials from the BJP, TMC, and others not to make provocative speeches that could escalate tensions. (ANI)