Addressing the West Bengal Assembly, Banerjee criticized the central government for pushing the bill without prior consultation with state governments. She claimed the legislation seeks to undermine federalism and marginalize minority communities by targeting Waqf properties—land and assets donated for religious or charitable purposes in Islam.
“We will not allow the Waqf Amendment Bill to be enforced in Bengal. It goes against the spirit of secularism and is a direct assault on the rights of the Muslim population,” said Banerjee.
The Chief Minister emphasized that her government had appealed to present its views before the Joint Parliamentary Committee but received no response. She accused the Centre of bypassing democratic dialogue and attempting to bulldoze its agenda.
Banerjee also referred to Supreme Court directives, stating that Waqf properties cannot be arbitrarily demolished or altered, indirectly critiquing the recent trend of using bulldozers to clear disputed lands.
The West Bengal Assembly passed a resolution opposing the bill, urging the Union government to reconsider and withdraw it.
While the BJP-led central government claims the bill is aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in Waqf board operations, opposition leaders and community groups fear it could pave the way for land grabs and institutional erosion of minority rights.
