West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared that the state would not implement the Waqf (Amendment) Act, during a programme in Kolkata.
Violence erupted in West Bengal’s Murshidabad on Tuesday over the Waqf Act, with the internet being suspended.
Mamata Banerjee acknowledged that many were unhappy with the bill passed by the Indian parliament and assured that this would not be executed in her state.
“I know you are aggrieved because of the enactment of the Waqf Act. Have faith, nothing will happen in Bengal by which one can divide and rule. You send out a message that all have to stay together,” she said.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act has divided opinions across the country, with the Muslim community staunchly opposing the proposed changes. Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress, a part of the INDIA bloc voted against the bill in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
The West Bengal CM claimed that the bill should not have been passed, while emphasizing the 33% minority population in the state.
Banerjee added, “See the situation in the bordering areas of Bangladesh. This (Waqf Bill) should have not been passed now. We have 33 per cent of minorities in Bengal. What will I do with them?”
Mamata Banerjee further urged residents to not get ‘provoked’ and launch any movements. Rather, the Trinamool Supremo insisted that she wouldn’t do everything to protect them.
” I will appeal to all of you not to do it. Please remember when Didi (Banerjee) is here, she will protect you and your property. Let us have trust in each other,” the chief minister said.
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