Mamata Banerjee Declares Waqf (Amendment) Act Won’t Be Implemented In West Bengal

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said the Waqf (Amendment) Act will not be implemented in the state.

“We have made our position clear on this matter – we do not support this law. This law will not be implemented in our state. So what is the riot about?” she said on social media platform X.

Her post comes as protests flare up in parts of the state, especially in minority-dominated Murshidabad district, against the Waqf Act.

Though she had earlier hinted at resistance to the Act, this was her clearest rejection yet.

She warned that strict action would be taken against those inciting violence and accused political parties of misusing religion for political gain.

“We do not condone any violent activity. Some political parties are trying to misuse religion for political gain. Do not give in to their persuasion,” she added.

She told protesters that the state government and her party were not responsible for the Act’s passage.

Banerjee said the law was made by the central government and urged people to direct their concerns accordingly.

“Remember, we did not make the law that many are agitating against. The law was made by the central government,” she said.

Meanwhile, Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar said police will not tolerate disruption of law and order.

“Those who are creating violence or are trying to instigate violence will not be spared,” he said.

ADG (Law and Order) Javed Shamim said 118 people have been arrested and warned against rumours fueling unrest.

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