West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee strongly criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Act on Wednesday, calling it a threat to the federal principles of the Indian Constitution.
Speaking at a meeting with Imams in Kolkata’s Netaji Indoor Stadium, Banerjee raised concerns over the Centre’s hurried implementation of the amendment. “Why the rush with the Waqf Amendment? Did you not consider the regional dynamics, especially in Bengal which shares borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan?” she asked, questioning the Union government’s intentions and warning that such decisions could disrupt harmony.
She alleged that the central government may be using certain agencies to instigate unrest and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to refrain from enacting ‘atrocious laws’, urging him to monitor the actions of the home ministry.
Banerjee reaffirmed her commitment to Sarva Dharma Samabhava (equal respect for all religions), invoking the teachings of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda. She also pushed back against the BJP’s accusations of religious discrimination in Bengal.
“Where is the BJP when we renovate the Kaali Temple? Or during Durga Puja and Saraswati Puja, which are celebrated in every household?” she questioned. “We respect all religions — that is the essence of Bengal and India.”
The West Bengal leader’s comments come amid growing political friction over religious matters and constitutional values in the lead-up to elections.
