West Bengal is witnessing a fresh round of violence and anti-Hindu movement under the nose of TMC Govt, led by Mamata Banerjee. West Bengal has long been a hotspot for political maneuvering, with communal tensions often serving as a backdrop.
However, the unchecked chaos caused by mobs from a particular community over several days highlights a troubling mix of administrative inertia and political indulgence. This is compounded by the stark neglect shown towards the countless victims affected by such unrest
Even as Hindus were hacked to death and hundreds of families fled communal riots in West Bengal after anti-waqf protests turned violent, CM Mamata Banerjee chose appeasement over action. While Mamata and Trinamool leaders have spoken, appealed to and mollycoddled the rioters, they haven’t condoled the deaths and devastation.
Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal and leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), has taken a strong stance against the Waqf Amendment Bill, which was recently passed by the Indian Parliament. Her opposition is rooted in her belief that the bill undermines the rights of the Muslim community and promotes a divisive agenda.
At a public event, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday (April 12, 2025) categorically said the law will not be implemented in the State. She emphasized her commitment to protecting the rights and properties of Muslims, stating that the bill’s provisions, such as requiring valid documentation for Waqf property claims and allowing judicial intervention, could lead to unnecessary disputes and alienation.
Banerjee has accused the ruling BJP of using the bill as a tool to divide the country along religious lines. She has vowed to repeal the legislation if a new government comes to power at the Centre, describing the BJP’s approach as a “divide and rule” strategy. Her party leaders have echoed her sentiments, criticizing the bill for its potential to disrupt communal harmony.
The TMC’s opposition to the bill has also been accompanied by violent protests in West Bengal, some of which have turned violent. The BJP, in turn, has accused the TMC of inciting unrest for political gain. Despite the criticism, Mamata Banerjee remains steadfast in her resolve to challenge the bill, positioning herself as a defender of minority rights and a critic of the BJP’s policies.
This issue has sparked a broader debate about the role of Waqf properties in India and the balance between transparency and community rights. Mamata Banerjee’s opposition highlights the complexities of navigating these sensitive issues in a diverse and pluralistic society.
TMC leaders have been actively opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill, citing concerns about its constitutionality and potential impact on minority rights. For instance, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee has strongly criticized the bill in the Lok Sabha, arguing that it violates Article 26 of the Constitution by restricting the Muslim community’s ability to manage its religious affairs. He also pointed out that the bill encroaches on state legislative powers and questioned provisions that allow officers above the rank of district magistrate to adjudicate disputes over government property.
Another prominent TMC leader, Mahua Moitra, has taken legal action by challenging the bill in the Supreme Court. She has highlighted procedural lapses and violations of fundamental rights, emphasizing that the bill undermines parliamentary practices and constitutional protections. Moitra’s plea argues that the bill infringes upon several constitutional articles, including those related to equality, freedom of religion, and minority rights.
The opposition from TMC leaders reflects broader concerns about the bill’s impact on communal harmony and the rights of the Muslim community. Their stance has sparked debates both in Parliament and in public forums, with protests and legal challenges adding to the controversy. If you’d like, I can explore specific aspects of their arguments further.
The tragedy of Hindus being displaced from their homes is further compounded by the fact that Bengalis worldwide are celebrating Noboborsho, the Bengali New Year, on April 15. Amid the violence, including the loss of lives and destruction of homes and businesses caused by Muslim mobs, the Trinamool leadership has faced criticism for its response.
Instead of issuing strong condemnations or taking decisive action, they have been accused of either adopting a passive stance or handling the situation with undue leniency. Such an approach risks emboldening the perpetrators while deepening the alienation felt by the Hindu community in the state.
