On Thursday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the Centre for introducing the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, calling it a ‘political decision’ to “snatch the power of Muslims.” She alleged that the Union government took an anti-federal approach without consulting state governments while introducing the bill.
She said “The Bill was sent to the Joint Parliamentary Committee. The Centre only gave advertisements like recruitment notices and asked for necessary suggestions.”
Claiming that the Waqf board has branches in every state, she said, “The central government should consult with state governments. However, after seeing the advertisement, we sent some concrete proposals but that was not included.”
Banerjee, during her speech, said that from the very first day, TMC has been leading the movement from the front against this bill.
“We are saying this bill is anti-national because it is violating the right of religion and the right of equality. We can’t support this. Every religion has a trust board in the waqf board, many Hindus as well as Muslims contribute land for the development. That power is also being snatched by the central government.”
Banerjee’s government may also bring a resolution opposing the Centre’s proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill during the winter session of the state assembly which started on November 25, 2024.
After getting the Lok Sabha nod, the joint panel on the Waqf bill was extended up to the last day of Budget Session 2025.
This occurred in response to a heated argument at the meeting on Wednesday, when opposition members stormed out, calling the proceedings a “mockery.”
The proposed changes to the Waqf Act have been sharply denounced by opposition parties, who contend that they violate Muslims’ religious rights.
The ruling BJP, on the other hand, has defended the changes, claiming that they will enhance accountability and transparency in the way waqf boards operate.
