In response to the ongoing unrest in Murshidabad, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has firmly declared that her government will not implement the newly-enacted Waqf law passed by the Narendra Modi-led central government. The announcement comes amid a wave of violent protests that erupted after Friday prayers, leaving at least 15 police personnel injured and causing widespread damage to public property.
Taking to social media platform X, Mamata Banerjee urged residents to maintain peace and condemned the violence. “We have made our position clear on this matter – we do not support this law. This law will not be implemented in our state. So what is the riot about?” she wrote.
The Chief Minister appealed to people of all communities to refrain from engaging in religious violence and warned against political exploitation of faith. “My sincere appeal to all people of all religions, please remain calm, remain restrained. Do not engage in any unrighteous behavior in the name of religion. Every human life is precious. Do not incite riots for the sake of politics. Those who are inciting riots are harming the society,” she emphasized.
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Murshidabad has witnessed widespread chaos with multiple government buildings, police outposts, railway offices, and shops being vandalised or set ablaze during the protests. According to Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar, “rumour-mongering” was a key factor in triggering the violent demonstrations.
Clarifying her party’s position, Banerjee said, “The law was made by the central government. So the answer you want should be sought from the central government,” while also cautioning that her administration will take “strict action” against those responsible for the violence.
The Chief Minister further alleged that certain political parties were attempting to stir unrest for electoral benefit. “Some political parties are trying to misuse religion for political gain. Do not give in to their persuasion,” she said.
