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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government over the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, asserting that it specifically targets the Muslim community and undermines India’s secular fabric.
Speaking in the West Bengal Assembly, Banerjee labeled the bill as “anti-secular” and “anti-federal,” alleging that it aims to “snatch the rights of Muslims” and destabilize the waqf system in the country. She emphasized that the bill was introduced without consulting state governments, violating the principles of cooperative federalism.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill proposes significant changes to the management of Muslim-endowed land, known as waqf. Key provisions include the inclusion of non-Muslim members in the central Waqf Council and granting the government authority to decide ownership of disputed waqf properties. Critics argue that these changes could diminish Muslim property rights and are seen as an attempt by the central government to control Muslim assets.
Banerjee questioned the selective targeting of Muslim institutions, asking why similar scrutiny isn’t applied to properties of Hindu temple trusts or churches. She highlighted that waqf properties have historically been used for community welfare, including the establishment of schools, hostels, and hospitals, benefiting people across religions.
The Chief Minister also criticized the central government’s approach, stating that the bill was introduced without adequate consultation with state governments. She claimed that the Centre issued a notification seeking objections from stakeholders but failed to incorporate the suggestions provided by the states.
Banerjee’s remarks come amid growing opposition to the bill from various quarters, including Muslim organizations and opposition parties, who argue that the legislation infringes upon the constitutional rights of Muslims and could be used to seize historically significant religious properties lacking formal documentation.
The bill is currently under review by a Joint Parliamentary Committee, which has sought an extension to file its report until the last day of the Budget Session in 2025.
As debates continue, Banerjee has vowed to lead the movement against the bill, asserting that it is a political decision aimed at marginalizing Muslims and undermining India’s secular and federal structure.
