West Bengal Waqf Act: Waqf law will not be implemented in West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee's big announcement amid Murshidabad violence

Kolkata, April 12, 2025: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has made an important announcement on Saturday, April 12, 2025, in which she has clarified that the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, recently passed by the Central Government, will not be implemented in the state. This announcement has come at a time when violent protests against the Waqf Act in Murshidabad district have further escalated tensions in the state, with at least three people dead and many injured. This decision of Mamata Banerjee has not only raised hopes of restoring peace in the state, but it is also being widely discussed at the political and social level. Mamata Banerjee's statement and scenario of violence

Mamata Banerjee said in a press conference on Saturday,

The Waqf law will not be implemented in West Bengal. This law has been made by the central government, and if anyone has to oppose it, they should seek answers from the Centre, and not spread violence in the state." She appealed to the protesters to maintain peace and termed the violence a "political conspiracy". Mamata also said that her government is committed to maintaining religious harmony, and any law that creates unrest in the state will not be implemented.

Protests against the Waqf law in Murshidabad district on Friday, 11 April 2025, turned violent, with clashes between police and protesters in Sutiyan and Samserganj areas. Protesters set vehicles on fire, blocked rail tracks, and pelted stones at security forces, injuring at least 10 policemen. Police imposed prohibitory orders and suspended internet services to bring the situation under control. According to officials, at least three people died in the violence, while more than 110 people have been arrested.

Waqf law and reasons for protest

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 was recently passed in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and was assented to by President Draupadi Murmu on April 5, 2025. The law has been brought to improve the management, transparency, and digital recording of Waqf properties, but many Muslim organizations and opposition parties have termed it an attack on the religious and property rights of Muslims. In West Bengal, especially in Muslim-dominated districts like Murshidabad and Malda, people have taken to the streets against this law, leading to violence.

Mamata Banerjee, whose Trinamool Congress (TMC) is in power in the state, has opposed this law from the beginning. In a rally on April 3, 2025, she said that this law has been brought to "divide the country". Her announcement today is an extension of that stance, and is being considered politically significant as it could help her party consolidate its minority vote bank. 

Reaction of BJP and opposition

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticised Mamata Banerjee's decision. BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said, "Mamata Banerjee has failed to maintain law and order in the state. It is her right to oppose the Waqf Act, but inciting violence is wrong." The BJP alleged that the TMC government is inciting Muslims and has failed to ensure the safety of Hindus.

At the same time, the Congress and the Left parties have welcomed Mamata's decision, but at the same time have questioned her government's failure to stop the violence. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, "Mamata's decision is welcome, but what happened in Murshidabad is shameful. The government should take immediate action."

Security and administrative measures

The West Bengal Police and the Border Security Force (BSF) have increased security in Murshidabad and other affected districts. Internet services are still suspended, and any kind of gathering or demonstration is banned under prohibitory orders. The state government has assured strict action against those involved in the violence, and Mamata Banerjee said that those inciting the riots will not be spared.

#WaqfActBengal, #MamataOnWaqf, and #MurshidabadViolence are trending on social media. Many users have welcomed Mamata's decision, while some have termed the violence as a "political conspiracy". In one post, a user wrote, "Mamata didi took the right decision. Waqf law is not needed in Bengal. But when will the violence stop?" On the other hand, some users have accused the BJP of pressurising to implement this law.

Conclusion

Mamata Banerjee's announcement of not implementing the Waqf law in West Bengal is a big political and social step, which raises hopes of restoring peace in the state amid the Murshidabad violence. However, controlling the violence and satisfying all parties is still a challenge. It will be important to see in the coming days whether this decision reduces tensions or further escalates the political controversy.