Mamata Banerjee says Waqf Amendment Act will not be implemented in Bengal

Speaking at a programme organised by the Jain community in Kolkata, CM Mamata Banerjee said she would always stand by the minority communities and protect their rights

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said the Waqf (Amendment) Act will not be implemented in the state, asserting her continued support for minority communities.

 

Speaking at a programme organised by the Jain community in Kolkata, Banerjee said, “I know you are aggrieved because of the enactment of the Waqf Act. Have faith, nothing will happen in Bengal that allows anyone to divide and rule.”

 

Speaking about the protests against the newly enacted Waqf Act which triggered large-scale violence in Murshidabad district bordering Bangladesh, the chief minister said, "Look at the situation in areas bordering Bangladesh. One shouldn't do things hurriedly because at times that leads to difficulties. We face difficulties here since 33 per cent of people in our state are from minority communities. Should we throw them out?”

 

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha last week following extended discussions. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on April 5, making it law.

 

Waqf protests turn violent in Murshidabad

 

Violence erupted in Murshidabad on Tuesday during a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. According to reports, the demonstration escalated into a clash between protesters and police, with incidents of stone-pelting and several police vehicles set on fire.

 

Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, shared a video on social media platform X, claiming it depicted scenes from the unrest. He accused the state government of engaging in “vote bank politics”.

 

“Antisocial elements are taking to the streets, burning government and public property, and spreading chaos in the name of protest. This is not dissent, it’s destruction—and is absolutely unconstitutional,” Adhikari wrote. “The West Bengal government and administration are failing to maintain law and order because they are deliberately turning a blind eye to protect the ruling party’s vote bank.”

 

He urged the state’s Chief Secretary and the Union Home Ministry to deploy central forces to the area, stating that the local police were unable to control the situation.

 

BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya also criticised Banerjee, alleging that she was attempting to suppress the truth.

 

“When violence breaks out in other states, Mamata Banerjee is quick to shed crocodile tears and stage dramatic protests. But when her own vote bank runs riot in Murshidabad, she goes silent—and shuts down internet services to suppress the truth,” Malviya posted on X.

 

[With inputs from ANI]