CM Banerjee Urges Muslim Leaders to Move Waqf Act Protest to New Delhi
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Synopsis
On April 16, 2023, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee called on Muslim religious leaders to transfer their protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act from West Bengal to New Delhi, emphasizing the need for legal opposition.
Key Takeaways
- CM Mamata Banerjee urged relocating the protest to New Delhi.
- She emphasized maintaining peace in West Bengal.
- Legal action is necessary against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
- Engagement with national leaders is encouraged.
- The Act is seen as unconstitutional and against federal principles.
Kolkata, April 16 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, urged leaders of the Muslim community on Wednesday to relocate their protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act from the state to New Delhi. She emphasized, “Ensure tranquility in your areas in West Bengal. Protesting here serves no purpose. Move your efforts to New Delhi. Avoid escalating tensions in the state due to provocations from the BJP. Instead, engage with those inciting unrest,” while addressing a gathering of Imams, Muezzins, and Muslim religious figures.
The assembly was reportedly organized to strategize on opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
CM Banerjee asserted that it is essential to combat the Waqf (Amendment) Act through legal means. “That’s why I insist we must confront this issue in New Delhi and not in West Bengal,” she stated.
Additionally, she encouraged Muslim leaders to approach President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express their concerns about the Act.
Furthermore, she mentioned that in the National Capital, members of the Trinamool Congress Parliamentary team would support any efforts regarding this matter.
“The new Waqf Act contradicts the Indian Constitution and undermines the federal structure of our democracy. Articles 18 and 35 emphasize the rights of state governments over property. The new Waqf Act violates this principle,” explained the Chief Minister.
She also pointed out that Article 26 of the Indian Constitution affirms the right to practice any religion, which includes property inheritance and maintenance rights.
“Your actions have stripped people of these rights. Both Ram and Rahim have had their rights taken away,” CM Banerjee asserted.
Previously, CM Banerjee had declared that the new Act would not be enforced in West Bengal and assured the minority community that she would continue to safeguard their interests and properties.
The BJP argued that a Chief Minister lacks the authority to declare that a Central Act will not be executed in their state.
