April 17, 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has openly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of hypocrisy in their treatment of Muslims domestically versus internationally. Addressing a gathering of Muslim clerics, Banerjee remarked, “You are against Muslims, but in Saudi Arabia, you meet Muslims… If you go to Dubai, UAE, whose hospitality do you take there… You say one thing in your country and another outside.”

Banerjee also called upon the opposition alliance, INDIA bloc, to unite against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, stating, “Let us stay united and fight together courageously. This is not a personal matter; it will affect everyone. Today, it is happening against you. Tomorrow, it will be against someone else. Now they want to bring UCC.”

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which received presidential assent on April 5, has sparked widespread protests, particularly in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district. The legislation introduces significant changes to the administration of Waqf properties, leading to concerns over religious freedoms and minority rights.

Protests in Murshidabad escalated into violence between April 8 and April 12, resulting in three deaths, including a father-son duo, and injuries to several others. The unrest involved the blocking of National Highway 12, attacks on police personnel, and the vandalism of public and private property. Over 200 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence.

In response to the unrest, the Calcutta High Court directed the deployment of central forces to restore order in the affected areas. The Supreme Court has also expressed concern over the violence and is considering an interim stay on certain provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

Banerjee has assured that the Waqf (Amendment) Act will not be implemented in West Bengal, emphasizing her government’s commitment to maintaining communal harmony in the state.

As the debate continues to unfold, NewsAffair360 will provide comprehensive updates on the legal challenges and ongoing protests surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

Also Read : Supreme Court Halts Key Provisions of Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 Amid Constitutional Challenge

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