New Delhi: Days after both Houses of Parliament passed the Waqf (Amendment) Act, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has declared that it will not be implemented in the state. Speaking at a programme organised by the Jain community in Kolkata on Wednesday, she asserted her commitment to protecting minorities and their property.
“If no one has the right to take my property, then how can I allow someone else’s property to be taken? We have to take the 30% (Muslims) along. Remember, Didi will protect your property,” Mamata was quoted as saying by India Today.
Both houses of Parliament pass the Bill
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday and by the Rajya Sabha in the early hours of Friday after marathon debates in both Houses of Parliament.
President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Bill on Saturday.
“Some people ask why I visit places of all religions. I say I will continue to do so throughout my life. Even if you shoot me dead, you will not be able to separate me from unity,” India Today quoted Mamata as saying. She also emphasised that there will be no division in Bengal.
No divide and rule policy in Bengal
She further added that nothing would happen in Bengal that could enable a “divide and rule” policy. “I know you are aggrieved because of the enactment of the Waqf Act. Have faith—nothing will happen in Bengal that allows for division and rule,” news agency PTI quoted her as saying.
“See the situation in Bangladesh. This (Waqf Bill) should not have been passed now,” Banerjee added.
