Waqf (Amendment) Act Will Not Be Implemented in Bengal, Asserts CM Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata, April 9: In a firm and politically significant declaration, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday announced that the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025—recently passed by Parliament and given assent by the President—will not be implemented in West Bengal.

Addressing members of the Jain community at a public event in Kolkata, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief made it clear that her government will not allow the new law to affect the communal harmony and rights of minorities in the state. Emphasizing her commitment to protecting all minority communities, Banerjee said, “I know many of you are aggrieved and concerned over the enactment of the Waqf Amendment Act. Let me assure you—nothing that divides people or attempts to disrupt peace will be allowed in Bengal.”

She reiterated her government’s position as a secular and inclusive administration that values social unity over political appeasement. “This state will not be used for divide-and-rule experiments. Bengal has always upheld harmony, and I will ensure that the rights and properties of minorities are fully protected here,” she said, drawing strong applause from the audience.

Referring to the regional impact of such legislation, Banerjee added, “Look at the situation in Bangladesh. These kinds of legislations at this time only create unrest and unnecessary polarization. This Bill should not have been passed now.”

The Chief Minister’s remarks come just days after the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed by both Houses of Parliament following marathon debates. The Lok Sabha passed the Bill last Thursday, followed by its clearance in the Rajya Sabha early Friday morning, and Presidential assent was given by Droupadi Murmu on Saturday, making it a law.