“While in Gujarat they are dying of bullets, in West Bengal, Muslims and backward community people are dying of hunger,” said Azizi who met district magistrates of five districts dominated by Muslims and other senior officials of the Backward Class department.

“The state government has done nothing for minorities and backward classes. It is very unfortunate. There is dearth of orphanages, guest houses, old-age homes, hostels for the minorities and OBCs. Ration is not being given to them. In fact, reservation for OBCs should be increased from 7 per cent to 27 per cent and 10 per cent of them should be for minorities. I am quite disappointed with the situation here,” Azizi said at the end of the meeting.

The West Bengal government was quick to respond in kind to Azizi’s statement that was made right in front of the chamber of the chief minister, who is also in-charge of minority affairs.