Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Apr 12: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took a firm stand on Saturday, declaring that the Waqf (Amendment) Act would not be implemented in the state. In a strongly worded statement on social media platform X, she questioned the ongoing unrest in parts of Bengal, particularly in Murshidabad, and made it clear that the state government would not comply with the central legislation.
“We have made our stance crystal clear — we do not support the Waqf (Amendment) Act. It will not be enforced in West Bengal. Then why the chaos?” Banerjee posted, responding to the protests and violence that have erupted in minority-dominated regions.
While she had previously hinted at her resistance to the Act, this is the first time the Chief Minister has explicitly and publicly rejected its implementation in such direct terms.
Addressing the unrest, Banerjee also warned against communal provocation, stating that certain political forces were attempting to exploit religious sentiments for electoral advantage. “We will not tolerate violence. Some political parties are trying to misuse religion for political gain — don’t fall into their trap,” she cautioned.
She urged protesters to understand that neither her government nor her party played any role in passing the controversial legislation, and that their frustration should be directed at the Union government, which introduced the Act.
“We didn’t create the law that people are protesting against. It was made by the Central Government. If you seek answers, you must ask them,” she asserted.
Meanwhile, the state's law enforcement echoed the Chief Minister’s message of zero tolerance. Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar addressed media on the situation, warning that strict measures would be taken against those disturbing peace under the guise of protest.
“Anyone attempting to disrupt public order or instigate violence will face legal action. We will not allow hooliganism in any form,” Kumar said. His statement was supported by ADG (Law and Order) Javed Shamim, who confirmed that rumour-mongering was being used to fuel tensions and that 118 arrests had been made so far.
The administration has stepped up surveillance and deployed additional forces to contain the unrest, emphasizing that public safety remains a top priority.