New Delhi, April 9 (NationPress) The BJP has criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, accusing her of using this topic to "incite violence" throughout the nation.

BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain defended the Waqf (Amendment) Act, asserting that it is a "progressive" law intended to support impoverished Muslims, especially women.

"The Waqf (Amendment) Act is a significant step for the poor Muslims, particularly the Muslim women. The affluent individuals who have been profiting from it are the ones opposed to this law. No impoverished Muslim will encounter any challenges, and the committees overseeing mosques, dargahs, or graveyards will not include any non-Muslim members," he informed IANS.

Hussain additionally accused the Trinamool Congress of leveraging the Waqf issue to "provoke violence", referencing disturbances in Jammu and Kashmir and Murshidabad.

"This is a scheme by Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress to incite unrest under the guise of this Act. We will not permit this to succeed," Hussain added.

BJP Spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi also condemned Mamata Banerjee's actions, underlining that the Waqf (Amendment) Act is a federal law applicable to all states.

"In a federal structure, legislation enacted by the Central government is obligatory for all states. This is not a matter of choice," Tripathi stated.

He remarked that Mamata Banerjee is intentionally attempting to "mislead" the public, adding that she should acknowledge her "lack of faith" in the Constitution and her unwillingness to adhere to it.

BJP leader Tokhan Sahu also endorsed the Act, asserting that it was enacted within the constitutional framework and should be implemented by all state governments.

"The law was legislated by Parliament, and we must comply with it. It benefits the populace of the country, including the Muslim community," he remarked.

He further noted that the Congress had enacted certain amendments previously aimed at aiding Muslims, but it is crucial to recognize that this new law is for the enhancement of all.

Previously, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared that the Waqf (Amendment) Act would not be enforced in West Bengal, eliciting a strong response from the BJP.

While addressing the ‘Navkar Mahamantra Divas’ event in Kolkata, the Chief Minister reassured Muslims that the new law would not impact West Bengal.

She urged Muslims to stay united amid rising protests, emphasizing that nothing would occur in Bengal that could "divide and rule."

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which aims to "enhance" the administration and management of Waqf properties, was passed by Parliament and has also received the assent of President Droupadi Murmu, formalizing it as law.