Will Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Prevent Any Impact on Religious Sites Due to Waqf Property Registration?
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Synopsis
Kolkata's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly opposes the registration of Waqf properties on the Centre's portal, asserting her commitment to protecting religious sites in West Bengal. As she addresses various political issues, Banerjee vows to shield minority rights from national initiatives that threaten local property.
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee emphasizes the protection of religious sites.
- The registration of Waqf properties raises concerns among state leaders.
- Banerjee criticizes the BJP-led Union Government's actions.
- She vows to resist the imposition of the National Register of Citizens.
- The Chief Minister highlights the financial discrepancies with the Union government.
Kolkata, Dec 3 (NationPress) In response to the recent news that the state Waqf Development Board has registered 50 percent of the Waqf Estate on the central government’s portal, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared on Wednesday that she will not permit any adverse effect on any religious site.
While she subtly implied that registration was a requirement under the new Waqf (Amendment) Act, a law from the centre, she firmly stated that in West Bengal, she will not allow anyone to infringe upon another's property.
"It was not initiated by us but rather by the BJP-led Union Government, which enacted the new Waqf Act. We have passed a resolution in the assembly against it and have approached the Supreme Court regarding this Act. The case is ongoing. However, I want to emphasize that we will not allow anyone to encroach upon another's property. I will not tolerate any negative impact on any religious place," the Chief Minister stated during an anti-Special Intensive Revision (SIR) rally in the minority-heavy Malda district.
During her address, she mentioned that Union Home Minister Amit Shah initiated the SIR.
The Chief Minister further assured that she would thwart all efforts to impose the National Register of Citizens in the state disguised as a revision exercise.
"I want to reassure everyone that we will stand against any attempts to send individuals to detention camps. We will fight against any efforts to remove the names of legitimate voters through SIR. We have never opposed SIR; my only point was that the process should occur over a reasonable timeframe," she asserted.
She criticized the Union government for "withholding" central funds from the state.
"Currently, there is only one tax in the nation, which is GST. The Union Government collects from the state but fails to release our dues. We are still awaiting payments amounting to Rs 1.87 lakh crore from the Union government," the Chief Minister added.
She also remarked that if the BJP is eager to gain power in West Bengal, it should do so through democratic means.
"Seizing anything by force is equivalent to an emergency," she concluded.
Point of View
Particularly regarding minority rights and property ownership. It reflects the ongoing struggle for autonomy that many states feel against national legislation, showcasing the complexities of governance in a diverse nation like India.
NationPress
03/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Waqf (Amendment) Act?
The Waqf (Amendment) Act is a central law aimed at regulating Waqf properties, which are assets dedicated for religious or charitable purposes in Islam.
Why is Mamata Banerjee opposing the registration of Waqf properties?
Mamata Banerjee is concerned that the registration may lead to undue interference in religious sites and the potential infringement on property rights of individuals.
What does SIR stand for?
SIR stands for Special Intensive Revision, a process initiated by the Union Government aimed at updating the electoral rolls.
What are the implications of the National Register of Citizens (NRC)?
The NRC is a controversial initiative aimed at identifying illegal immigrants, and its implementation can lead to significant political and social ramifications.
How much money is West Bengal awaiting from the Union government?
West Bengal is currently awaiting dues amounting to Rs 1.87 lakh crore from the Union government, which they claim is being withheld.
