Amit Shah Condoles Anandpur Fire, Blames Mamata Govt Corruption

January 31, 2026

KOLKATA/WEST BENGAL, INDIA — Union Home Minister Amit Shah has expressed his condolences over the Anandpur warehouse fire that killed and left many missing, while sharply blaming the Mamata Banerjee‑led West Bengal government for the tragedy, alleging it was a result of systemic corruption and governance failures. Shah made the remarks while addressing a BJP Karyakarta Sammelan in North 24 Parganas, intensifying political criticism ahead of the state’s upcoming polls.

Condolences for Victims, Sharp Political Criticism

Shah began his address by paying tribute to the workers who lost their lives in the blaze at the Anandpur warehouse, which housed a Wow! Momo factory and adjoining storage facilities where a massive fire broke out earlier this week. He described the incident as a deeply saddening event and extended sympathy to the families of the deceased and those still unaccounted for. Officials have confirmed that at least 21 people have died and several more are missing as search efforts continue.

However, Shah did not limit his speech to condolences. He strongly criticised the West Bengal government, asserting that the fire was “not an accident” but rather a consequence of the corruption of the Mamata Banerjee government. Shah questioned why the warehouse owners had not been arrested yet and raised doubts about regulatory oversight, implying that political patronage and administrative complacency were to blame for safety lapses that led to the tragedy.

Allegations of Misgovernance and Accountability Issues

The union home minister’s remarks underscored his belief that state administrative failures contributed to unsafe conditions at the warehouse. Shah challenged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to order a comprehensive and impartial judicial inquiry to uncover the truth behind the fire and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. He questioned the delayed response and the lack of stringent safety enforcement, insisting that such lapses reflect broader flaws in the state’s governance.

Political tensions have been rising between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal, particularly with assembly elections approaching. Shah’s accusations added to a growing narrative from BJP leaders that the TMC government’s alleged corruption and poor administration have negatively affected public safety and trust. His criticism also extended to other issues, including alleged intimidation of certain communities by the state government, though his main focus remained on linking the tragic fire to systemic corruption.

Calls for Investigation and Justice

In calling for a thorough probe, Shah emphasised that victims’ families deserve answers and justice. He urged West Bengal authorities to swiftly identify the causes of the fire, examine adherence to fire and building safety regulations, and prosecute any individuals whose negligence or misconduct may have contributed to the disaster. This demand for accountability reflects broader political pressures on the state government to demonstrate transparency and responsiveness in the aftermath of the tragedy.

As political rhetoric surrounding the fire continues to escalate, citizens and observers are watching how state officials respond to both the humanitarian crisis and the mounting criticism. The outcome of investigations and any subsequent policy or administrative changes may influence public perception and political dynamics in West Bengal’s run‑up to the 2026 elections.