West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday firmly stated that the Waqf (Amendment) Act will not be implemented in the state.
While addressing a gathering of the Jain community in Kolkata, Banerjee reassured the audience of her commitment to protecting the rights and properties of minority communities.
“I understand your concerns over the Waqf Act,” she said. “But rest assured, nothing will be allowed in Bengal that promotes division or the politics of ‘divide and rule’. Spread the message of unity — we must all live together in harmony.”
Banerjee Urges Calm, Rejects Waqf Act Implementation in Bengal Amid Tensions
West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday urged people not to fall prey to political provocation, especially in the wake of recent unrest related to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
Speaking at a community event in Kolkata, Banerjee appeared to reference the violence in Murshidabad district on Tuesday, which erupted following the passage of the Bill. “Look at the situation in the border areas near Bangladesh,” she remarked. “This Waqf Bill should not have been passed at this time. Bengal has a 33 per cent minority population — what should I do with them? It is my responsibility to protect them.”
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on April 3 and cleared by the Rajya Sabha after intense debates in the early hours of the following day. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Bill on Saturday, making it law.
Recalling the subcontinental history, Banerjee added, “History tells us that Bengal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India were once united. Partition came later. Those who live here today — it is our duty to protect them.”
She reiterated her government’s stand, declaring that the Waqf (Amendment) Act will not be implemented in West Bengal.
Mamata Banerjee Appeals for Unity, Reassures Minorities Amid Waqf Act Row
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday made an emotional appeal for peace and unity, urging people not to be provoked into political agitation over the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Reiterating that the Act would not be implemented in Bengal, she promised full protection to minorities and their property.
Speaking at a programme organised by the Jain community in Kolkata, Banerjee said, “If people stay united, they can conquer the world. Some may try to provoke you into launching a movement — I appeal to everyone not to give in. Remember, as long as Didi is here, she will protect you and your property. Let us trust each other.”
Referring to the communal tensions in Murshidabad following the passage of the Waqf Bill, Banerjee emphasized the need for harmony, particularly in a state where minorities comprise 33% of the population. “What should I do with them? Abandon them? No. It is my responsibility to protect everyone living here,” she said.
Highlighting her inclusive approach, Banerjee reaffirmed her commitment to religious unity. “I visit all places of worship — Hindu temples, Jain and Buddhist shrines, gurudwaras, churches, and the Guru Ravidas temple. In Rajasthan, I went to both Ajmer Sharif and the Brahma Temple in Pushkar.”
She added passionately, “Even if you shoot me dead, you can’t take me away from this unity. Every religion, every community prays for humanity — and we love them all.”
Banerjee concluded by stating that Bengal’s social fabric will not be torn apart by divisive politics and that her government will continue to safeguard its diverse communities.
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