Mamata Banerjee Assures Protection of Religious Sites, Slams Centre Over Waqf Amendment

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticised the Waqf Amendment Act passed by the BJP-led central government. She assured minority communities that the state government will not allow anyone to take over their property or religious sites.

Addressing a public rally in Gajol, Banerjee said confusion arose after the Centre recently launched a national portal for the registration of Waqf properties. She explained that the amended law removes the Waqf Board’s authority to officially declare property as Waqf land and gives final powers to district magistrates or equivalent officials.

The West Bengal Assembly has already passed a resolution opposing the Act, and the state government has challenged it in the Supreme Court. Banerjee urged people not to believe misinformation, saying, “We did not make this Waqf Act. It was made by the BJP government. As long as we are here, no one will be allowed to touch anyone’s land or place of worship.”

The Chief Minister also raised concerns over the ongoing Special Summary Revision (SSR) of the voters’ list. She warned that names could be removed if forms are not submitted on time and appealed to all residents—including migrant workers—to fill out their forms promptly. She accused the process of being rushed and alleged that Union Home Minister Amit Shah was pushing it for political reasons. Banerjee assured that the state would not allow any form of discrimination.

“No one will be sent to a detention camp, and no one’s name will be deleted. Do not be afraid,” she said.

Continuing her attack on the Centre, Banerjee accused the BJP government of withholding nearly ₹87,000 crore meant for West Bengal. She claimed that while the Centre fully collects GST, it may also reduce the state’s share of tobacco tax. According to her, the Centre is trying to control everything without respecting democratic principles.

She warned, “If you try to impose something like an Emergency, the people will not forgive you. You may be in power in Delhi today, but not forever.”

Banerjee clarified that she was not campaigning for the next Assembly elections but was meeting people to listen to their concerns. She highlighted the benefits of various welfare schemes and assured that programmes like Lakshmi Bhandar will continue.