Trinamool Congress Emphasizes Two Main Concerns Regarding Waqf (Amendment) Bill
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Kolkata, Nov 30 (NationPress) The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal during its 'Minority Gathering' event on Saturday emphasized two primary concerns regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which has been forwarded to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for scrutiny.
The first point of contention involves the proposal within the Bill to assign District Magistrates the task of surveying existing Waqf properties in their respective districts. The Trinamool Congress deems this move as a form of “bureaucratisation” that is “entirely unacceptable”.
The second significant issue is the Bill's suggestion to seize assets that have been verbally acknowledged as Waqf properties. The party argues that this represents a deliberate attempt at divisive politics by the ruling party at the national level.
At the 'Minority Gathering', Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Kalyan Banerjee stated that in any nation, it is the duty of the “majority” to safeguard the rights of the “minority”.
“That is why we also stand against what is occurring in Bangladesh. Just as I venerate Goddess Kali and Lord Shiva, I also hold the Indian Constitution in high regard,” stated Banerjee, who is also a prominent advocate in the Calcutta High Court.
During the event, Firhad Hakim, the state Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister and Kolkata Mayor, remarked that the term “secular” is absent in the constitutions of Bangladesh and Pakistan.
“However, this word is present in the Indian Constitution. We must honor the Constitution of our nation. Our Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is at the forefront of defending the rights of minorities in the state,” he said.
To reiterate, while addressing the state Assembly on the fourth day of its Winter Session on Thursday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asserted that the proposed Bill would not only threaten the Waqf system nationwide but also target a specific religion.
“This Bill is directed against one particular religion. It contravenes the fundamental principle of equality and the right to practice any faith. This is precisely why we oppose the Bill,” declared the Chief Minister.
