📰 Unrest in Murshidabad: Mamata Banerjee Declares Waqf (Amendment) Act Will Not Be Implemented in West Bengal

When Law Meets Communal Tensions🧭

The picturesque and culturally rich district of Murshidabad, West Bengal, has recently turned into the epicenter of violent unrest — a microcosm of larger tensions brewing between the Centre and the State, between religious sentiment and political interests, and between law and order and civil rights.

At the heart of this turmoil lies the Waqf (Amendment) Act, a law passed by the Central Government that has sparked widespread protests, leading to communal clashes, displacement of families, destruction of property, and a political firestorm.

In the midst of this, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has taken an unambiguous stance: “This law will not be implemented in West Bengal.” Her words echo a clear challenge to the BJP-led Central Government and reflect her ongoing effort to project West Bengal as a secular and inclusive state.

But to understand the depth of this crisis, we need to unpack the entire timeline — from the origin of the law, to the eruption of violence, to the political and social aftershocks.

📜 What is the Waqf (Amendment) Act? Why Is It Controversial?

🕌 What is a Waqf?

A waqf is a charitable endowment made by Muslims for religious, educational, or social welfare purposes. Waqf properties can include mosques, graveyards, schools, orphanages, and other institutions.

🛑 What Does the Amendment Change?

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, passed by Parliament in early 2025, makes several controversial changes, such as:

Increased Central Oversight: The Central Government can now intervene more directly in the management of waqf boards, bypassing state authority.
Removal of State Vetting Powers: State governments lose control over waqf surveys and appointments to Waqf Boards.
Asset Reclassification: The law allows the reclassification of certain waqf properties, opening them up for possible privatization or state appropriation.
Dilution of Community Role: Community-based committees will now have limited control over waqf assets.

😠 Why Are People Protesting?

🧕 Minority communities fear loss of control over their religious institutions.
💼 Many believe the law is a covert move to commercialize or encroach upon waqf lands.
🛐 Religious leaders have denounced it as a direct attack on Islamic institutions.
🧾 Civil rights activists say it sets a dangerous precedent for undermining federalism and minority rights.

🔥 Murshidabad Violence: How It All Unfolded

📅 Timeline of Events:

April 8, 2025: Protests begin in parts of Murshidabad and Malda districts. Demonstrators demand rollback of the Waqf Amendment Act.
April 9: Mamata Banerjee addresses the public, urging people to maintain peace and not fall for divide-and-rule tactics.
April 10: Massive protest rallies held under the leadership of Minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury, who assures people the Act will be opposed in the State Assembly.
April 11–12: Protests escalate into violent clashes in Dhulian, Shamsherganj, and Jangipur. Reports of:
- 🔥 Arson
- 🧱 Vandalism of shops and homes
- ⚰️ At least six confirmed deaths
- 🧍‍♂️ Thousands displaced to neighboring Malda district
April 12 Evening: Mamata Banerjee releases a video statement:

“We did not create this law. We oppose this law. And we will not implement it in West Bengal.”

💬 Mamata Banerjee’s Response: Strong, Defiant, and Calculated

The West Bengal Chief Minister’s approach has been multi-dimensional:

1️⃣ Rejection of the Law

She made it clear that the Waqf (Amendment) Act has no place in Bengal, and announced that the State Assembly will bring a resolution against it.

🗣️ “Ask the Centre why this law was created. We are not responsible. Why are people dying for something we didn’t support?”

2️⃣ Appeal for Peace

In an emotional appeal to all communities, Banerjee said:

“Every human life is precious. Don’t engage in irreligious behavior in the name of religion. Don’t be manipulated.”

She emphasized that violence only serves political agendas, and urged citizens to rise above provocation.

3️⃣ Targeting the BJP

Banerjee has squarely blamed the BJP for the unrest:

“They want to remove my government by dividing Bengal. But Bengal will never bend before hate.”

She added that BJP leaders were trying to polarize voters before the elections and using the Waqf issue as a wedge.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Political Reactions: Fire on All Fronts

🔥 Abhishek Banerjee (TMC)

“After failing to win power democratically, the opposition is trying to create communal chaos. We must remain alert.”

❌ Suvendu Adhikari (BJP)

“Peace is elusive in Bengal because the ruling party is appeasing its vote bank. This is a distraction from the TMC’s own corruption scandals — especially the 26,000 teachers’ recruitment scam.”

He also accused the TMC of instructing the police to not act against rioters, claiming that the law and order machinery has been politicized.

🧺 Relief & Compensation: Government Response on the Ground

Despite the political crossfire, the TMC government has announced a set of strong relief measures:

💵 ₹10 lakh compensation to the families of each deceased victim
🏘️ Rebuilding of homes under the Banglar Bari housing scheme
🛍️ Financial aid to small traders and shopkeepers affected by violence
🕊️ Deployment of additional forces to restore normalcy in Murshidabad

Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar personally visited the affected regions, and over 200 individuals have been arrested in connection with the riots.

🌐 The Bigger Picture: What’s Really at Stake?

This is more than just a state refusing to implement a central law. It’s a clash between two competing visions of India:

BJP’s Vision 🧱	Mamata’s Vision 🌾
Centralized religious oversight	Decentralized, community-led religious autonomy
One-nation, one-law (Uniformity)	Federal diversity and local autonomy
Electoral polarisation via religion	Electoral unity through inclusivity
Strong central control	Strong state rights

⚖️ Constitutionally Speaking…

The Waqf Act falls under the Concurrent List, meaning both Centre and States can legislate on it.
However, Mamata's government can refuse to enforce certain provisions, especially if notified through the State Assembly.

📌 Where Do We Go From Here?

The Murshidabad violence, the Waqf Act backlash, and Mamata Banerjee’s strong refusal to comply with central mandates have together created a pivotal moment in Indian politics.

This situation isn’t just about religious rights or political rivalries. It’s about the soul of Indian federalism, about whether states can act as shields for minority voices, and about how governments can balance law enforcement with empathy.

As Bengal rebuilds from the ashes of communal tension, the road ahead will demand wisdom, restraint, and above all, unity. 🕊️

💬 Your Turn

What do you think about Mamata Banerjee’s refusal to implement the Waqf Act?Is this a bold stand for minority rights or a risky political move?Should states have the right to reject central laws?